Sun-Air Retires Challenger 650 and Transfers Aircraft to JoinJet
Sun-Air (EZ, Billund), a Danish regional carrier, has retired its sole Bombardier Challenger 650 from service, marking the end of its operations with the aircraft after it was recently utilized by the company’s charter subsidiary, JoinJet. The Challenger 650, with registration OY-LLG, was initially in service under Sun-Air’s own code (SUS) before being reallocated to JoinJet, where it was operated under the ‘JNJ’ code until its final flight in December 2024.
The aircraft, which had been configured to carry up to 12 passengers, was a part of Sun-Air’s fleet for several years. It was primarily used for charter services, with its most recent active flight being between Billund and Berlin Brandenburg International on August 27, 2024. Following this, the Challenger 650 transitioned to JoinJet, performing a test flight on November 4, 2024, before returning to Billund. It remained active under JoinJet’s ‘JNJ’ code for the rest of its service until December 11, when it completed its final test flight, also around Billund.
As of December 23, 2024, the Challenger 650 was re-registered in the United States as N585JP, a change signaling its retirement from European service. However, the aircraft has yet to operate under its new registration, and it is not currently listed as Part 135-certified. This marks a significant shift for Sun-Air, which will continue its operations with its existing fleet of regional aircraft.
Sun-Air’s fleet now includes eleven Dornier 328-300 aircraft, with four currently active. The airline also operates a Citation I/SP and two Hawker 800XP aircraft, as well as the same models configured for air ambulance services under its SmuuthCare subsidiary. The Challenger 650’s retirement leaves a gap in Sun-Air’s charter fleet but is part of a broader strategy to maintain its specialized operations.
JoinJet, Sun-Air’s charter division, has expanded its own fleet and services. It currently operates five aircraft under its ‘JNJ’ code, including a recently inducted Challenger 3500, three Hawker 4000s, and a Global 5500, all of which serve various charter clients. JoinJet has also added a Citation Jet 3+ to its fleet, although this aircraft is not flying under the same code as the others. The addition of the Challenger 3500 and other luxury aircraft positions JoinJet as a prominent player in the charter flight market.
Despite the retirement of the Challenger 650, Sun-Air remains focused on its core services, including regional flights and air ambulance operations, while JoinJet continues to serve the growing demand for private charter flights. The Challenger 650’s departure from Sun-Air’s fleet is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where regional carriers are reevaluating their fleets and service offerings in response to shifting market needs and operational efficiencies.
The Challenger 650’s re-registration and the expansion of JoinJet’s fleet reflect the evolving nature of both Sun-Air and JoinJet’s business models. While Sun-Air continues to prioritize its established regional routes and air ambulance services, JoinJet’s increasing presence in the charter market shows the growing appetite for luxury, private aviation services. This shift also highlights the versatility of Sun-Air’s broader operations and its ability to adapt to the changing demands of the aviation sector.
In summary, the retirement of the Challenger 650 signals a transition for Sun-Air, with JoinJet picking up the baton and continuing to expand its charter operations, offering a wider range of luxury air travel options for discerning customers.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com