Bombardier and NetJets revealed that they have reached an agreement to acquire up to 232 Challenger 3500 jets, 12 of which are part of a firm order signed in December.
A company that operates in the fractional ownership segment of business aircraft, NetJets could invest around US$6 billion in the agreement, if all purchase options are exercised.
The first planes will be delivered from the second half of 2025, Bombardier said.
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The Challenger 3500 is a super midsize executive jet and is based on the previous variant, Challenger 300, but offering a range of up to 3,400 nautical miles and the ability for steep approaches, aimed at airports in urban regions.
“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,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “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.”
Stable deliveries in the coming years
Despite the billion-dollar agreement, Bombardier executives were pragmatic about deliveries of their executive aircraft.
Speaking on May 1 at its facility at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, the company said deliveries over the next few years will stabilize after a period of growth.
Bombardier expects to deliver between 150 to 155 aircraft in 2024, compared to the 138 jets delivered last year.
The executive aviation division accounts for two-thirds of the Canadian company’s revenue, which years ago got rid of its regional aircraft such as the CRJ and the C Series jets (A220), in addition to the DHC line.
Furthermore, the company ended production of the iconic Learjet in addition to selling its railway division to the French company Alstom.
