Story ID: 259_Bombardier.doc
Bombardier Showcases Challengers and Global Jets
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: OEM touts both executive and air ambulance interiors on the heels of deal with Swiss aeromed service Rega.
Word Count: 467
Montreal-based Bombardier Business Aircraft (Chalet/Static Display) is featuring its Challenger line here at ABACE 2015, with a quartet of the business jets alongside an ultra-long-range Global 6000. The Challengers on display this week at Shanghai Hongqiao include the new 300- and 600-series models–a Challenger 350 and 605–along with a Model 300 and 850. Bombardier also manufactures the Learjet line.

The cabin of the super-midsize Challenger 350, a derivative of the 300, maximizes natural light and redefines the man-machine interface, according to Bombardier, while providing a true “seats full, tanks full” 3,200-nm (5,926-km) range that can connect Shanghai with Jakarta non-stop. The Challenger 605 is based on its predecessor Challenger 604, and boasts one of the widest stand-up cabins of any large-cabin business jet, with a range capable of carrying six passengers 4,000 nm (7,408 km), enough to travel non-stop from Shanghai to Dubai.

The Challenger 850 is based on the CRJ200 airliner but outfitted with an executive cabin, providing transcontinental range of up to 2,811 nm (5,206 km)–enough to fly eight passengers from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur non-stop.

The Global 6000, representing the company’s Global line of ultra-long range business jets, offers the most cabin volume and floor space in its category, according to Bombardier. With a range of 6,000 nm (11,112 km) at Mach 0.85, the 6000 can carry eight passengers and four crewmembers from Shanghai to San Francisco non-stop.

Greater China Outlook

Bombardier’s latest market forecast predicts 950 business jet deliveries in Greater China over the next decade, and the company aims to be the region’s supplier of choice. “With a very strong fleet of over 120 Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets based in Greater China, Bombardier is well positioned to build on its current presence in the region as a world-class provider of efficiency-enhancing business aircraft,” said Michael Han, Bombardier Business Aircraft’s regional vice president for sales in China. “This year will be another very exciting year for Bombardier in the country and region.”

The company’s business jets aren’t confined to executive transport. Earlier this month Bombardier announced signing a firm purchase agreement with Swiss Air Ambulance service Rega for three Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft. The transaction is valued at approximately $130 million and includes aircraft modification work such as installation of a medical evacuation interior. Deliveries of the modified Challenger 650s are scheduled for 2018.

Rega has a long tradition in dealing with medical emergencies around the world, as well as with operating Challengers. “Bombardier has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Rega since 1982, when the company purchased its first Challenger, and again in 2002 with the addition of the Challenger 604 to its fleet,” said Bombardier vice president of specialized aircraft Stephane Villeneuve. Rega’s current fleet of three Challenger 604s are used exclusively for ambulance flights and outfitted with intensive-care units.