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VistaJet orders and secures options for 60 Bombardier business jets

vistanewsMay 20, 2008, Geneva, Switzerland - Bombardier Aerospace today announced a significant business jet order with VistaJet of Switzerland.


May 20, 2008  By Carey Fredericks

May 20, 2008, Geneva, Switzerland – Bombardier Aerospace today announced a significant business jet order as VistaJet of Switzerland, placed a firm orders for 11 Challenger 605 jets, 13 Learjet 60 XR aircraft, and 11 new Learjet 85 aircraft, for a total of 35 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft. The total value of the order, if all options are exercised will be approximately $1.2 billion U.S., based on the 2008 list price of typically equipped aircraft.

In addition to the aircraft order, Bombardier also announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VistaJet for the sale of Bombardier Skyjet International, its pioneering charter program.

"This is fantastic," exclaimed Bob Horner, senior vice-president, sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "An order of this magnitude serves as proof that Bombardier is at the forefront of the industry offering the most innovative aircraft and widest range of travel solutions. It confirms the popularity of our Challenger 605 and Learjet 60 XR aircraft, and reflects the building excitement around our new Learjet 85 program.

"Skyjet International has been a solid platform for Bombardier and the time is now to blend our innovative offering with VistaJet, a leading business aviation provider that can apply additional expertise and provide dynamic leadership," continued Mr. Horner. "With the acquisition of Skyjet International, VistaJet will effectively become one of the largest aviation providers in the world."

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VistaJet is a privately-owned company headquartered in Switzerland, offering revolutionary business aviation solutions through its one of a kind Flight Solutions Program. The VistaJet fleet comprises of more than thirty medium to ultra-long range, state of the art jets with an average age of less than two years. The current fleet includes Learjet 40XR and Learjet 60XR aircraft, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Challenger 850 jets, and a Global Express XRS jet.

"This is a strategic milestone for VistaJet, heralding-in a new era in our business as we expand our operations worldwide," said Bing Chen, chief executive officer, VistaJet. "Our success is due in part to the popularity, reliability and proven performance of our Bombardier business jets, and as the demand for VistaJet offerings continues to increase, we are confident that our relationship with Bombardier will continue to produce exceptional results for our business."

This gross order will effectively triple the size of the existing VistaJet fleet if all options are exercised. The company recently forecast a 50 per cent increase in revenues for this year, with plans of expanding their fleet and opperations, offering more flights to Asia. VistaJet projects approximately 80,000 flight hours for 2012.

With the acquisition of Skyjet International, VistaJet will offer its charter customers access to over 920 business jets worldwide, combining luxury service with a very young Bombardier business jet fleet and the industry leading Jet Member card. VistaJet has been a member of Skyjet International's elite network of charter providers since 2005.

Challenger 605: In service since January 2007, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and an all new cabin electronic system. It can whisk five-passengers from Geneva-Montreal non-stop(i), in superior comfort. Optional equipment on the Challenger 605 jet now includes the Bombardier Enhanced Vision System (BEVS), providing pilots with significantly improved situational awareness and the ability to observe runway lights and the runway environment in difficult operating conditions, such as low visibility and or darkness.

Learjet 85: Launched on October 30, 2007 the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25. With a state of the art Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite and powered by two PW307B engines, the aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)(i). Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.

Learjet 60 XR: In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60 XR is a model of performance, comfort, value and versatility in the midsize jet market. The aircraft's higher operating altitudes – certified to 51,000 ft (15,545 m) – translate to time savings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence. With a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81 (861 km/hr), the Learjet 60 XR jet is one of the fastest aircraft in its category. The aircraft can fly Geneva-Jeddah non-stop and delivers superior climb capabilities, with proven fuel-efficiency and low direct operating costs per nautical mile(i).

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