Bombardier on Tuesday received a firm three-unit Challenger 3500 order from Memphis, Tennessee-based operator AB Jets, with an option for a fourth. The charter company—which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year—currently operates a fleet of nine Learjet 60s and specializes in providing supplemental lift and urgent organ transplant transport.
“With our missions, we are primarily in the Continental U.S. [The 3500] will give us a true coast-to-coast offering with the range of the aircraft, and that in itself will be thoroughly enjoyed by the customers to have that capability,” company co-owner and director of operations David Turner told AIN. “We had a lot of requests through current clients for that category offering, and it's always had the Challenger request with that.”
The Argus Platinum-rated charter operator will take delivery of its first super-midsize 3500 in August 2025 and will then receive one every four months.
“AB Jets was looking to upgrade their offering with the ultimate jet experience, and we are thrilled that they recognized the Challenger 3500 as the aircraft that can provide just that,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive v-p of aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense.