Adds First Learjet 60 To Its Fleet

Mountain Aviation has added its first Bombardier aircraft—a Learjet 60—to its charter fleet as it launches a partnership with the Sun Valley Air Club (SVAC) of Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Learjet 60 climbs to its cruise level of 43,000 feet in less than 14 minutes with maximum takeoff weight, getting the aircraft above adverse weather and other air traffic quickly. At cruise level, the Lear 60 can reach speeds up to 525 mph has a range of 2590 miles with full load. The cabin is 5'8" high and offers generous club seats and workspace.

Mountain Aviation is the air charter carrier overseeing flight operations for the innovative Air Club based in the mountain resort community. The Lear 60 and a Piaggio Avanti II are the two initial aircraft dedicated to Air Club flights, and they are based at the Atlantic Aviation terminal at Hailey Friedman Airport. This eliminates repositioning charges to move a plane to pick up SVAC members in Sun Valley. "For 20 years Mountain Aviation has operated to and from the most challenging airports of the Mountain West, including Sun Valley. Safety is our core company value and we believe this will bring peace of mind to the SVAC members and guests whom we will have the privilege of serving," said Founder and President Rich Bjelkevig. "We are excited about being part of this vision to bring unique value to this community."

Members began flights on Dec. 21, The company charges no fees for the empty leg on flights to key destinations: Denver, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, LA Area, and Palm Springs. Another unique feature is the ability for members to share flights or grab an empty leg to save even more money and think green. "This will be a game-changer for Sun Valley air travel," predicts Norman Nie, Founder and CEO of SVAC.   

If additional aircraft are needed to meet membership demand, Mountain Aviation will draw on its young fleet of over 20 jet and turboprop aircraft in bases such as Aspen, Denver, Fort Collins and Boise.

(Learjet 60 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.mountainaviation.com