NetJets Secures Over 200 Bombardier Challenger 3500 Business Jets in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
Bombardier has announced a significant sales agreement with NetJets, involving an initial purchase of twelve Challenger 3500 business jets as disclosed on May 1, 2024. This deal, first initiated in December 2023, marks the beginning of a large-scale acquisition with the potential to reach a total of 232 aircraft, escalating the contract’s value to over $6 billion. Deliveries are slated to commence in the latter half of 2025.
Owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, NetJets is a major player in the private jet charter industry and a longstanding customer of Bombardier. This new agreement builds on their robust partnership, with NetJets currently operating 88 of the predecessor Challenger 350 models, alongside other aircraft like the Cessna Citation Longitude in the super-midsize category.
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is the latest in the Challenger series, a line that began with the Challenger 300 introduced in 2004. The Challenger 3500 was unveiled in September 2021 and features significant enhancements over its predecessors, including advanced avionics, new auto-throttles, and a redesigned cabin. The jet is known for its refined cabin experience, reliability, and performance, making it an ideal choice for charter services.
Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “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. 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.”
The Challenger 350 first took to the skies in June 2014, offering upgrades such as 20% larger cabin windows, enhanced Honeywell HTF7350 turbofan engines, and strengthened wing structures with added winglets. These improvements have cemented the Challenger 350’s reputation in the super-midsize private jet market.
The expanded order not only reaffirms NetJets’ commitment to providing top-tier travel experiences but also reflects the growing demand for private jet charters. Other charter companies, including Flexjet, VistaJet, and Airshare, have also placed orders for the Challenger 3500, underscoring its popularity and the confidence in Bombardier’s innovative aviation solutions.
This strategic expansion by NetJets is set to significantly enhance its fleet capabilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the private aviation industry.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com