Private Jet Operator Continues to Build Momentum in a Post-Covid Market

Bombardier lifted the cover on a deal from last December, showing that NetJets bought 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft with an option to one day purchase an eye-popping 232 more.

The deal for the firm order sees Bombardier snag about $326.4 million for its troubles, though that would swell to an impressive $6 billion with a couple hundred aircraft added to the ticket. Bombardier is pretty happy to see its 'super midsize' platform find footing in the market, being the newest addition to the corporate family. The first shipments of Challenger 3500s is slated to make its way into customer hands in the second half of 2025. 

It's an interesting thing to see in the bizjet market, showing that NetJets is apparently weathering the economic headwinds just fine, finding themselves with plenty of work even after the charter flight tides began to wash out to sea again. 

It remains the world's largest private jet operator, and things are looking up now that the scuffle with its pilot union, the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, has been laid to rest. That deal will give pilots a nice little 52% bump in pay, further bolstering retention and contentment on the flight line. 

"The Challenger 3500 jet continues to impress with its ultimate combination of refined cabin experience, proven reliability and top performance, perfectly aligning with the needs of NetJets' discerning client base," said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. "We couldn't be prouder to see the _Challenger 3500_ business jet join the NetJets' fleet as we write the next chapter of our long-term collaboration."

FMI: www.bombardier.com