COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NetJets® Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company and the worldwide leader in private aviation, was today announced as the international launch partner of the new Bombardier* Challenger* 350* aircraft at a special event at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.
To mark the introduction of the Challenger 350 and to welcome the aircraft to the NetJets Signature Series™, a mock-up of the all-new super midsize Bombardier jet was unveiled at the event.
“We are excited about the addition of our exclusive NetJets Signature Series Challenger 350 aircraft to our fleet and the tremendous value this aircraft will bring to our unmatched global capabilities and most importantly, to our customers,” said NetJets Chairman and CEO Jordan B. Hansell. “This distinct super midsize aircraft will deliver an experience that meets both our customers’ travel and comfort requirements. The inflight experience is exceptional and unlike any other. The aircraft has an exceptionally quiet cabin allowing both serenity and conversation, soft, hand crafted leathers, meticulously designed wood finishes, an in-flight entertainment system offering choices for every taste, and a single service beverage maker, all designed specifically by NetJets.”
Hansell added, “The high design was all in an effort to allow our customers to relax and enjoy their flight whether for work or family. This state-of-the art jet’s cabin, designed in partnership with Bombardier Aerospace, will provide our discerning customers the best flight experience, along with the safety and reliability they expect from the worldwide leader in private aviation.”
The NetJets Signature Series Challenger 350 aircraft will join the NetJets fleet in 2014 and is part of NetJets’ 10-year fleet plan to add up to 670 new products with a total value of $17.6 billion over the next decade.
“The Challenger 350 jet will take our existing Challenger family to new heights,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This aircraft further enhances our leading business aircraft portfolio and will provide our customers with redefined design standards. Passengers will experience new comfort levels as they relax in the completely new cabin, enjoy a purpose-built intuitive cabin management system and increase their efficiency with superb climb performance. There is simply no substitute for a Challenger jet.
NetJets’ Signature Series™ Challenger 350 aircraft will offer customers greater cabin comfort, larger windows to create a lighter and more airy cabin environment and an advanced HD wireless entertainment system.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and delivers an increased wingspan, improved engine and efficiency features. The Challenger 350 aircraft will be a truly transcontinental jet, with a range of 3,780 sm (6,083km). It will be able to fly comfortably between New York and Los Angeles with space for up to ten passengers including a belted lavatory, making it suitable for almost any journey, while its outstanding runway performance gives access to even the most remote airports. As part of the new NetJets Signature Series, the Challenger 350 aircraft benefits from numerous features and enhancements that are unique to NetJets.
On June 11, 2012, NetJets placed a firm order for 100 Challenger 350 and Challenger 605 business jets with options for an additional 175 Challenger 350 and Challenger 605 aircraft. The order is valued at approximately $7.3 billion US if all options are exercised. The firm order includes 75 Challenger 350 aircraft , with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2014 and 25 Challenger 605 aircraft,with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2015.
Challenger 350 aircraft: The Challenger 350 jet boasts class-defining performance, 3,780 sm (6,083km) range and will connect San Francisco to Maui**.It features a state-of-the-art cabin that maximises natural light and redefines the man-machine interface, all the while maintaining the performance attributes that have become synonymous with the Challenger family.
NetJets Signature Series™ aircraft: NetJets recently introduced the NetJets Signature Series™ of aircraft, which are new aircraft that are entering the NetJets fleet that are customized from design through production and include advanced in-flight entertainment systems and custom cabin designs as well as advanced cockpit and cabin technologies to ensure maximum safety, reliability and operating efficiency. The NetJets Signature Series™ of aircraft include the Embraer Phenom 300, the Bombardier Global family of aircraft, the Cessna Citation Latitude as well as the Bombardier Challenger 350 and 605 jets.
About NetJets® Inc.
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 began in 1964 as the first aircraft charter and management company in the world. 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 its programs in North America and Europe, including NetJets Shares™, NetJets Leases™ and the Marquis Jet Card®, which provides access to NetJets though a 25-hour jet card.
The North America program is managed and operated by NetJets' subsidiary NetJets Aviation, Inc., and the European program is managed and operated by NetJets Transportes Aereos, SA, a Portuguese/EU Air Carrier. In the United States, NetJets offers aircraft management and charter services through its subsidiary, Executive Jet Management, Inc. and in Europe through Executive Jet Management (Europe). Subject to obtaining relevant regulatory approvals, NetJets will also offer aircraft management and charter services in China through NetJets China Business Aviation Limited, a joint venture between NetJets and a consortium of Chinese investors. The NetJets companies offer worldwide flight operations. More information on NetJets, NetJets Europe, the Marquis Jet Card, and Executive Jet Management is available at www.netjets.com.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
**Under certain operating conditions
The Challenger 350 aircraft is currently under development and the design and the design tolerances remain to be finalized and certified. The Challenger 350 aircraft is subject to change during the course of the design, manufacture and certification process. The statements about performance, design, design tolerances and the images shown in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts and are subject to change without notice.
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