Bombardier Challenger 350 gets FAA certification, goes into service

Montreal, Canada – Bombardier Aerospace received full type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on June 25, 2014, for its Challenger 350 business aircraft. Transport Canada certification was granted on June 12, 2014.

 

“FAA certification for the Challenger 350 aircraft is another key step on the path to entry-into-service,” said Stéphane Leblanc, vice president and general manager, Challenger Programs, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Designed with the feedback from existing Challenger aircraft owners and operators, this new aircraft will meet their ever-growing needs. We are looking forward to delivering this segment leading aircraft and are confident that our customers will love it,” he added.

 

On June 27, 2014, NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, together with Bombardier Aerospace, revealed the first Signature Series Challenger 350 aircraft at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y. This event marked the official entry-into-service of the Challenger 350 aircraft. Bombardier Business Aircraft President Éric Martel presented the ceremonial keys to NetJets Chairman and CEO Jordan Hansell before unveiling the aircraft to employees and invited guests. NetJets, the worldwide launch customer for the Challenger 350 aircraft, will add eight of the jets to its fleet this year.

 

“The addition of the Challenger 350 aircraft to our fleet is a significant step in NetJets’ continued growth, and clearly demonstrates our commitment to provide NetJets customers with the most state-of-the-art aircraft models in the industry,” said Hansell. “This is the first of up to 200 Challenger 350 aircraft that we have on order from Bombardier over the next 10 years. We worked very closely with Bombardier to deliver an aircraft that exceeds our customers’ needs by providing the highest levels of safety, comfort and convenience.”

 

Beginning in 2010, NetJets placed orders with several aircraft manufacturer for up to 670 new state-of-the-art jets valued at up to $17.6 billion – the largest purchase in private aviation history. All of these new custom aircraft will be NetJets Signature Series jets. Thus far, NetJets has received 38 of the new models (including 13 of Bombardier’s Global 5000and Global 6000 aircraft), with fractional sales exceeding deliveries.

 

In addition to Bombardier’s Global 5000, Global 6000 and Challenger 350 aircraft, NetJets will begin taking delivery of Bombardier’s Challenger 605 aircraft beginning next year.

 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the entry-into-service of our Challenger 350 aircraft with NetJets. This aircraft builds on the proven success of the Challenger 300 aircraft program, taking performance, efficiency, and comfort to the next level,” said Martel. 

 

The Challenger 350 aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and an increased wingspan. It offers increased performance from the new twin Honeywell HTF7350 engines, each producing 7,323 lb (33kN) of thrust and reduced emissions (under certain operating conditions) and increased aerodynamic efficiency with its new canted winglets. This increased power will allow faster time to climb, coupled with increased efficiency, ultimately placing more destinations within reach. The Challenger 350 jet boasts a true seats full, tanks full, 3,200nm (5,926km) range and will connect New York to Los Angeles with space for up to 10 passengers. It also offers outstanding runway performance, which gives it access to remote airports. 

 

The NetJets Signature Series Challenger 350 super-midsize jet offers customers greater cabin comfort, larger windows to create a lighter and more airy cabin environment, and an advanced HD wireless entertainment system. The aircraft includes hand-selected wood veneers and carpeting, accented by color schemes to ensure a modern, clean, and consistent look across the entire Signature Series fleet.