Bombardier and NetJets® Mark Major Milestone as Challenger 650 Aircraft Prepares to Enter into Service

Bombardier and NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company and a worldwide leader in private aviation, today celebrated the imminent entry-into-service of the new Challenger 650 aircraft. The aircraft will be on static display throughout the 2015 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference and exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The custom-built Signature Series™Challenger 650 business jet will also mark Bombardier’s 1,000th Challenger 600 series aircraft to enter into service.

“Our collaboration with NetJets to create their Signature Series concept on our Challenger and Global platforms is evidence of what can be accomplished when two visionary industry leaders join forces,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We’re also extremely thrilled that the first NetJets Signature Series Challenger 650 aircraft will mark the 1,000th Challenger 600 series aircraft to enter into service.”

With its improved performance capabilities, cutting-edge interior design and comfort, and proven reliability and efficiency, the new Challenger 650 aircraft will assure Bombardier’s continuing market leadership in the Medium business jet category.

“The Challenger 650 aircraft will be a wonderful addition to our fleet,” said Pat Gallagher, NetJets’ Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “It’s a state-of-the-art, widebody aircraft that expands our large-cabin offerings. Bringing our Signature Series concept to this new aircraft has been an important project for us and we’re very appreciative that Bombardier shares our commitment to the highest levels of safety, comfort and convenience for our Owners and their guests.”

The NetJets Signature Series Challenger 650 aircraft was designed with a number of unique features, including the next-generation In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system and hand-selected wood veneers, carpeting, and leather upholstery accented by colour schemes that ensure a modern, clean, and consistent look across the entire Signature Series fleet. 

The first Signature Series Challenger 650 aircraft is part of an original NetJets order announced in June 2012 for 100Challenger aircraft with options for an additional 175 aircraft. NetJets also placed a firm order for 50 Global jets with options for an additional 70 aircraft in March 2011. Following the announcement of the Challenger 650 aircraft certification by Transport Canada on November 9, 2015, Bombardier Business Aircraft received FAA certification shortly thereafter.

Challenger 650 aircraft: The Challenger 650 aircraft’s enhanced engines will offer greater thrust, shorter take-off distance, extra payload capacity and greater range capabilities out of challenging airports. With a true 4,000 NM (7,408 km) range capability, the Challenger 650 business jet will connect London to New York, Dubai to London and Sao Paulo to Miami non-stop.*

The Challenger 650 aircraft’s widest-in-class cabin has been completely redesigned to offer the ultimate in-flight experience, with breakthrough design attributes and unique expressions of comfort, control and connectivity. The new jet features redesigned seats and galley, an advanced Cabin Management System, largest-in-class HD monitors, Audio Video on Demand, Bluetooth integration and industry-leading connectivity capabilities.

The Challenger 650 aircraft will feature the Bombardier Vision flight deck, providing pilots with new levels of control and comfort, in addition to increasing situational awareness and reducing pilot workload. This combination of capabilities provides the best value in business aviation: latest generation Flight Management Computer, Synthetic Vision System (SVS), MultiScan™ weather radar and available head-up display with Enhanced Vision System (EVS).

About NetJets
NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the worldwide leader in private aviation with the largest and most diverse private jet fleet in the world.  NetJets was established in 1964 as the world’s first private jet charter and management company. In 1986, NetJets pioneered the concept of fractional aircraft ownership – offering individuals and businesses all of the benefits of whole aircraft ownership and more, at a fraction of the cost. Today, NetJets offers a full range of private aviation solutions through businesses bearing the NetJets®, Executive Jet Management®, and Marquis Jet Card® service brands in North America and Europe. For more information on NetJets customer programs and services visit  www.netjets.com. 
Twitter:  @NetJets
Instagram:  NetJets

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at  bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter  @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

• Photo 1: On November 16, 2015,  Bombardier and NetJets Inc. celebrated the imminent entry-into-service of the newChallenger 650 aircraft at NBAA. From left to right: Pat Gallagher, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, NetJets and David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
• Follow  @Bombardierjets on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Business Aircraft.
• To receive our press releases, please visit the  RSS Feed section.

*Under certain operating conditions.

Bombardier, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Bombardier Vision, Challenger, Challenger 600, Challenger 605, Challenger 650, Global and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For Information

Anna Cristofaro
Bombardier Business Aircraft
+ 1 514-855-8678 
anna.cristofaro@aero.bombardier.com

Jon Austin
NetJets
+ 1 612-839-5172
jaustin2@netjets.com