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.