Bombardier Aerospace announced Tuesday that Swiss business charter operator VistaJet has placed a firm order for three Bombardier Challenger 605 business jets, and has placed options for two additional aircraft. It is the first and largest multiple aircraft order placed by a European company for the new jet.

VistaJet currently has 11 jets either in operation or on order. The company will take delivery of its first new Challenger 605 aircraft in late 2007, shortly after the aircraft’s scheduled entry into service. The list price for the typically equipped aircraft, excluding options, is approximately $81 million US.

"In addition to strengthening Bombardier’s position as a business aviation leader in Europe, it affirms the enthusiastic market acceptance of the new Challenger 605 jet,"  said Jahid Fazal-Karim, senior vice president, new aircraft sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

VistaJet will also take delivery of one additional Global Express XRS ultra long-range aircraft and two Challenger 604 business jets.

"This latest order further demonstrates VistaJet’s commitment to offer the newest fleet, coupled with the finest services to satisfy customers who demand the very best. We are very pleased with our current fleet of Learjet 60, Challenger 604 and Global Express XRS aircraft and we anticipate the new Challenger 605 jet’s spacious cabin and restyled interior, will offer our discriminating clients the ultimate in comfort and convenience," said Vista Jet CEO Bing Chen.

VistaJet currently operates two Bombardier Learjet 60 midsize jets, two Challenger 604 widebody aircraft and one ultra-long range Global Express XRS business jet.

Announced at last year's NBAA Conference in Orlando, the new Challenger 605 widebody business jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large-size business jet available today. It operates at a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.82 (870 km/h), and offers an increased payload capacity of 200 pounds (91 kg).

The aircraft is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite that supports real-time satellite graphical weather and electronic charts to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, and features a state-of-the-art Ethernet-based Cabin Electronic System.

Following a successful first flight on January 22, 2006, the Challenger 605 aircraft began a 200-hour flight test and certification program at Bombardier’s Flight Test Center in Wichita, KS. As of July 14, the aircraft had accumulated over 185 flight hours during 53 flights. Certification by Transport Canada is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006, and the aircraft is scheduled to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2007.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.vista-jet.com