Tennessee-based charter operator AB Jets has received its first Challenger 3500 delivery from Bombardier.
The Canadian aerospace manufacturer announced in a news release Thursday that its 3,400 nm-range aircraft will supplement AB Jets’ current fleet of nine Learjet 60s. The Challenger 3500 marks the first of three super mid-size business jets being added to enhance AB Jets’ fleet.
“This delivery is more than an aircraft handover. It represents the future of AB Jets,” said AB Jets president Andrew Bettis in the release. “The Challenger 3500 is our flagship, a jet that elevates our ability to serve clients with more comfort, extended range, and the same uncompromising focus on safety and reliability that defines our culture. We’re proud to bring this aircraft home and begin the next chapter of our story.”
David Turner, AB Jets’ co-owner and director of operations, said Bombardier “delivered an aircraft of absolute perfection.”
“Our role now is to maintain it to the same standard, ensuring that every AB Jets flight in the Challenger 3500 reflects the excellence of the team that built it,” Turner said.
The Challenger 3500 sports a comfortable cabin with patented technology innovations like Bombardier’s zero-gravity Nuage seat. The company stated the aircraft is an “ideal fit” for AB Jets, which offers supplemental lift services to brokers, flight departments, and operators.
“This exceptional aircraft will provide AB Jets’ customers with a best-in-class business aviation experience with its uncompromising commitment to superior performance, an elevated cabin experience, the smoothest ride and consistent reliability,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier defense. “Adding the new Challenger 3500 to the AB Jets’ existing fleet of Learjet aircraft fleet will provide AB Jets’ customers with countless new charter destination options and an exciting new world of opportunities.”
