SEPTEMBER 19, 2002 - 15:34 EDT
Bombardier Aerospace Sells Challenger 300 to South
African Operator
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA--SEPTEMBER 19, 2002 - 15:34 EDT
Bombardier Aerospace today announced that
Searay Aviation has signed a contract for the acquisition of a new
Bombardier Challenger(R) 300 super-midsize business jet aircraft.
"We are delighted to have been selected once again by Searay
Aviation as its supplier of choice," declared Mike Fahey, regional
vice-president, sales, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific,
Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft, during a brief ceremony
at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2002 in Pretoria. "Scheduled for
delivery in late 2004, this aircraft will be the first of its kind
on the African continent."
The aircraft will be based at Cape Town International Airport,
where Searay already operates a Bombardier Learjet(R) 45
super-light business jet.
"I have selected the Bombardier Challenger 300 as I believe it is
the best aircraft in its class for comfort, value and
performance," stated Dr. Aaron Searll, managing partner of Cape
Town-based Searay Aviation. "I am delighted with the performance
and sophistication of the Bombardier Learjet 45, and look forward
to operating the Bombardier Challenger 300. The cabin size and
even greater range are ideal for the type of trips I make."
Dr. Searll is a keen advocate of business aviation, having
purchased his first Bombardier Learjet more than 20 years ago. He
also holds a ATP (USA) pilots licence and has logged over 2,400
hours, including time on his Bombardier Learjet. "I've always had
a passion for flying," said Dr. Searll. "As a pilot I get double
enjoyment out of my plane."
"Our base of Bombardier jet operators in South Africa and other
countries on the continent continues to grow year after year,
reflecting the strength of our broad product line and its
suitability to the needs of operators in Africa," added Mr. Fahey.
"Our long-standing relationship with ExecuJet has been
instrumental in helping us to achieve substantial gains in market
share in recent years. We are delighted with the results to date."
The Bombardier Challenger 300 has enjoyed one of the strongest
introductions in corporate aviation history. Offering a
3,100-nautical-mile (5,471-km) range with eight passengers and
with NBAA IFR reserves, it will enter corporate service in 2003.
Introducing the new Challenger Family
Through more than two decades of proven performance, the
Bombardier Challenger family of business jets has earned a
reputation for outstanding reliability, dependability and value.
Current production models include:
* the Bombardier Challenger 300, introduced in 1999 as the
Bombardier Continental*;
* the Bombardier Challenger 604, the best-selling large business
jet for the last five years;
* and the Bombardier Challenger 800, previously the Bombardier
Challenger Special Edition*.
Combining unparalleled value and performance, Bombardier
Challenger family delivers the highest levels of reliability and
comfort to satisfy even the most discerning business travelers,
making them the aircraft of choice in their respective classes. A
total of 590 Bombardier Challenger business jets, of all types,
are currently in service.
Based at Lanseria International Airport, ExecuJet South Africa is
an associated company of the ExecuJet Aviation Group, which has
operations around the globe. The company is the exclusive sales
representative for the entire family of Bombardier business
aircraft in more than 20 countries, including South Africa,
Namibia, Botswana and the Indian Ocean Islands. In addition,
ExecuJet is a Bombardier authorized service facility, providing
total service and maintenance for Bombardier business jets
throughout Africa.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader
in the design, and manufacture of innovative aviation products and
provides services for the regional, business and amphibious
aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet(R) fractional
ownership, aircraft charter and management, technical services,
aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional
airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company,
is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional
aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational
products. It also provides financial services and asset management
in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered
in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some
80,000 people in 24 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and
Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2002
stood at $21.6 billion Cdn. Bombardier trades on the Toronto,
Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
(R) Registered Trademark of Bombardier Inc.
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. |
