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Bombardier’s Flexjet forms business plane alliance

Feb. 16, 2010, Montreal - Bombardier's Flexjet division has formed an aircraft-sharing alliance with two other business plane operators, one based in the United States and the other in Europe, to expand global flight opportunities for all three.


February 16, 2010  By The Canadian Press

Under the deal with Jet Solutions and VistaJet, customers of Flexjet and Jet Solutions will be able to use European-based VistaJet planes to fly within Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

VistaJet clients, in turn, will be able to fly in the United States using Flexjet and Jet Solutions aircraft. All three companies, which fly only Bombardier-built aircraft, will offer their alliance partners preferred rates.

Texas-based Flexjet was established in 1995. It allows wealthy individuals and companies to purchase a share in a business jet at a fraction of the full ownership cost. They pay monthly fees while Flexjet manages the aircraft, flight crews, fuel and insurance.

Since 2006, Jet Solutions has operated the Flexjet 25 Jet Card, which allows customers to purchase flying hours on a business aircraft.

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Swiss-based VistaJet offers hourly rates to fly customers across Europe, the Middle East and Asia using Learjet, Challenger and Global Express aircraft.

The alliance increases the collaboration between the Flexjet division of the world's largest business aircraft manufacturer and VistaJet, the largest international operator of Bombardier aircraft.

Flexjet marketing vice-president Bob Knebel said the alliance adds value for its so-called "fractional'' or owner customers.

"This agreement with VistaJet ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality travel on legendary Bombardier aircraft at preferred membership rates,'' he said.

VistaJet founder Thomas Flohr said the move is a "logical step'' in the global development of his company.

"This alliance with Flexjet and Jet Solutions will extend our network into the U.S., offering our customers access to the best private jet service in America,'' he said.

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