Netjets revealed as previously confidential buyer of 12 Bombardier Challenger 3500s

Bombardier has announced that its long-valued client NetJets has been revealed as the previously confidential buyer of 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft.

The firm transaction initially announced in December 2023 was valued at $326.4m based on list prices at the time of signing, but the landmark deal could be more than $6bn if all optional 232 Challenger 3500 jets are exercised over time.

With this order, NetJets adds to the finest fleet in private aviation with the latest addition to the Challenger family - the most delivered super midsize platform - and continues to further elevate its customers’ travels thanks to the Challenger 3500 aircraft’s outstanding attributes. Deliveries for aircraft included in the firm order are set to begin in the second half of 2025.

“The Challenger 3500 jet continues to impress with its ultimate combination of refined cabin experience, proven reliability and top performance, perfectly aligning with the needs of NetJets’ discerning client base,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “We couldn’t be prouder to see the Challenger 3500 business jet join the NetJets’ fleet as we write the next chapter of our long-term collaboration.”

Built on the iconic super midsize platform, the Challenger 3500 jet continues to push the industry forward, setting the course to what private jet travel should be. The aircraft offers an unmatched in-flight experience that exceeds the expectations of the most discerning travellers, offering a flawless design that provides an unparalleled cabin experience and elevates passengers’ comfort with Bombardier’s revolutionary Nuage seats and cutting-edge cabin technology. The cabin experience is also enhanced by several industry-first features including voice-control, unmatched 4K entertainment, first in-class wireless chargers and true bring-your-own device cabin philosophy, making it the smartest aircraft in its class.

The Challenger aircraft family is also well known for its industry-leading reliability and safety. With more than 900 business jets of the Challenger 300 series in service worldwide, the Challenger 3500 builds on the excellent track record of the Challenger family and boasts an impressive dispatch reliability of more than 99.8%. It also offers an impressive range of 3,400 nautical miles and outstanding runway performance and steep-approach capabilities. It provides customers with the ultimate package, including access to the most remote locations while delivering Bombardier’s signature smooth ride from takeoff to landing.

In terms of sustainability, the Challenger 3500 aircraft is in a class by itself. It is the first business jet in the super midsize segment to have an Environmental Product Declaration published, documenting the aircraft’s environmental footprint over its lifecycle. This impressive business jet provides customers with the ultimate combination of sustainability, performance and reliability that they can count on 365 days a year.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 2nd May 2024 | Issue #746