- Aircraft completed its first 100 hours of flight in just 14 days upon delivery
- Unique adaptability of the Challenger 650 aircraft lends itself to VIP or air ambulance configuration
- On its longest tour, the aircraft visited 10 countries across three continents in just five days
- In addition to its quiet and widest-in-class cabin, impressive range and outstanding short-field performance, the Challenger 650 aircraft’s exceptionally smooth ride provides added comfort for passengers receiving medical care
MONTREAL, May 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Aviation and Finnish charter operator Jetflite today revealed details of how a freshly delivered Challenger 650 business jet was immediately pressed into service to repatriate dozens of patients impacted by COVID-19 as airports and borders around the world shut down. True to its reputation for tried-and-true performance, the Challenger 650 aircraft performed flawlessly straight out of delivery, completing its first 100 hours in just 14 days.
The aircraft, configured for executive charter service, was delivered to long-time Bombardier customer Wihuri Group, a large Finnish industrial conglomerate, on March 26, 2020. The aircraft is operated by Jetflite, which is owned by Wihuri Group. The unique adaptability of the Challenger 650 aircraft interior allows Jetflite to quickly transform the business jet’s 12-to-16-passenger VIP configuration to an air ambulance configuration, complete with two stretchers, a portable isolation unit, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 test kits and a medical team to respond effectively to the growing worldwide humanitarian crisis.
“Our Jetflite fleet is always busy, but completing the first 100 hours inside 14 days directly out of the factory was something of a record, even for us, particularly in light of the challenges in flight route planning, obtaining diplomatic clearances and booking risk-free crew accommodation during the spread of COVID-19,” said Elina Karjalainen, Managing Director, Jetflite. “We are very proud to have this impressive new aircraft in our fleet, and to be able to help so many people, as we wait for better days ahead.”
On its longest tour, the aircraft traversed three continents in five days, flying from its base in Helsinki, Finland, to Portugal, Italy, Mali, Canary Islands, Liberia, South Africa, Seychelles, Afghanistan and Estonia to repatriate citizens to their home countries.
“The importance of reliability and flexibility, for which our Challenger platform is legendary, is brought into sharper focus when lives are on the line,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation. “We are extremely proud that our Challenger 650 aircraft is able to make a strong contribution to the important humanitarian work the Jetflite team is doing.”
The same qualities that make the Challenger 650 jet an ideal business tool also make the aircraft an excellence choice as a next-generation air ambulance. In addition to its quiet and widest-in-class cabin, outstanding short-field performance and impressive range of 4,000 nm (7,408 km), the Challenger 650 aircraft offers an exceptionally smooth ride – its advanced wing design promotes greater patient comfort from takeoff to touchdown.
About Jetflite
Established five decades ago, Jetflite is part of a large Finnish industrial conglomerate, Wihuri Group. Our services include aircraft management and maintenance, VIP corporate charters and air ambulance and evacuation flights all over the world. We say yes to challenges most would give up on – be it destinations, schedules or circumstances. More information is available at www.jetflite.fi or www.wihuri.fi/en.
About Bombardier
With over 60,000 employees across two business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in over 25 countries across the segments of Aviation and Transportation. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, Bombardier posted revenues of $15.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to Editors
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For Information
Elina Karjalainen
Jetflite
+358 20 510 1900
elina.karjalainen@jetflite.fi
Anna Cristofaro
Bombardier Aviation
+1 438-994-6043
anna.cristofaro@aero.bombardier.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5edbff5-0f25-4ac4-bada-f08a36a2e1bd