Bombardier announced that Kansas City-based private aviation company Airshare has committed to ordering up to 20 additional Challenger 3500 aircraft. Through this new agreement, Airshare plans to double the size of their Challenger fleet, supporting the considerable demand they have experienced from the outset of launching the aircraft within their fractional program.
In May 2021, Airshare entered the super-midsize segment with an order for up to 20 Challenger aircraft. As the fast-growing private aviation company moves to exercise all options as part of that original order, this new incremental commitment to Challenger 3500 jets underscores that the smooth, efficient and reliable customer experience that private aviation provides continues to garner significant market interest among the travelling public.
“The response we have received to the Challenger entering our fractional program has been tremendous, from both new and existing customers,” said John Owen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airshare. “We are thrilled to extend our commitment with Bombardier and look forward to adding several more Challenger 3500s to our fleet. The strength of our partnership made it easy for us to accelerate our plans to order more of these aircraft to meet customer demand.”
“The entire team is immensely proud that Airshare continues to trust Bombardier to grow its fleet,” said Eric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. “Airshare and Bombardier share several values in common: we strive for excellence and work tirelessly to offer an exceptional experience to our clients. With this new order, our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, as the award-winning Challenger 3500 aircraft keeps elevating Airshare’s flight experience with its ultimate combination of performance and comfort.”
Airshare’s fractional program provides each owner of a 1/16th share with 20 days and unlimited flight time (based on a customer’s allocation of days with a maximum 14-hour crew duty day). When Airshare shareowners begin and end in the same location, while keeping the aircraft and crew with them when they need it, they save up to 25 per cent off their hourly rate. Having the pilots and aircraft stay with shareowners as they travel provides the ultimate in flexibility as they are able to visit multiple locations and adjust their schedules at a moment’s notice. Airshare also offers its own jet card program, EMBARK, as well as aircraft management, on-demand charter and maintenance services.
Built on the iconic Challenger super mid-size platform, the Challenger 3500 aircraft offers unrivalled comfort and reliability, while boasting top performance and delivering Bombardier’s signature smooth ride. The latest addition to Bombardier’s portfolio elevates the passengers’ experience by integrating many of the features from Bombardier’s Global family of aircraft, including Bombardier’s exclusive and revolutionary Nuage seat. Passengers can also benefit from the ultimate cabin experience, where technology and design come together to maximize productivity while offering a refined and relaxing environment.
The Challenger 3500 aircraft is also the most sustainably designed business jet in its class. It is the first business jet in the super mid-size segment to have an Environmental Product Declaration published, documenting the aircraft’s environmental footprint over its lifecycle.
The Challenger aircraft family is known for its industry-leading reliability and safety. With over 900 business jets of the Challenger 300 series in service worldwide, the Challenger 3500 aircraft builds on the excellent track record of the Challenger family and boasts an impressive 99.8% dispatch reliability.