Challenger 650 set for EBACE debut

Bombardier will send a new Challenger 650 to the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE), held in Geneva, Switzerland, between May 19 and 21.

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The new $32.35 million twin-jet will be on display at an airshow for the first time.

Bombardier first announced the Challenger 650 during a special ceremony held before the opening of the 2014 National Business Aviation Associations annual conference in 2014.

The Challenger 650 is based Bombardier’s Challenger 605. The aircraft manufacturer sold more than 300 Challenger 60s. The Challenger 605 was itself a derivative of the original Challenger 600 that Bombardier first flew in 1978. The Challenger 650 was launched with a NetJets order for 25 aircraft.

The Challenger 650 features upgraded General Electric GE CF34-3B MTO engines, each capable of delivering 9,220 lbf of thrust.

This allows the aircraft to carry more weight as well as shortening the distance the aircraft needs to get airborne.

Bombardier has used latest design ideas that it used on the Challenger 350. The Challenger 650 has a redesigned galley and seating compared to the Challenger 605.

Bombardier says that launch customer NetJets should receive their first aircraft during the second half of 2015.

“We are thrilled to be unveiling our Challenger 650 aircraft, which is scheduled to enter into service in the second-half of 2015,” said Bombardier Business Aircraft president Éric Martel, “We currently have more than 570 Bombardier business aircraft flying within Europe, and with a full range of products and services, we are committed to maintaining our leadership position within the market.”