Bomberdiar

American private jet travel firm Flexjet has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bombardier to purchase 20 Challenger 350 aircraft for $544m and 20 Aerion supersonic business jets for an undisclosed amount.

Flexjet is owned by Directional Aviation Capital and mainly operates through fractional jet ownership and a leasing programme.

Since its inception in 1995, the company is said to have a longstanding partnership with Bombardier business aircraft and has been offering a luxurious fleet of private jets to its customers.

Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal said: "Today’s announcement is a further endorsement of our incomparable Challenger 350 aircraft.

"Flexjet is one of our most valued customers, and we are pleased that our Challenger 350 aircraft, built for optimal comfort and performance, will add to Flexjet’s continued growth and success."

"We are pleased that our Challenger 350 aircraft, built for optimal comfort and performance, will add to Flexjet’s continued growth and success."

Challenger 350 jet is expected to connect New York with London. The aircraft is build on the clean-sheet Challenger 300 jet segment, which includes the latest avionics features, advanced cabin and interior comfort and design.

Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro said: "We are experiencing growing demand in the super midsize segment, where owners are seeking more spacious and luxurious cabins, coupled with greater speed and range."

The company also announced it placed a firm order for 20 of Aerion’s AS2 aircraft. With this order, Flexjet expects to provide the first supersonic business jet to private travellers, after commercial airline supersonic crossings ended service in 2003.

The Aerion AS2 business jet is said to offer 67% faster speed than other long-range subsonic jets. It can carry eight to 12 passengers.

Aerion in association with Airbus is currently developing a three-engine jet, which is expected to take its first flight in 2021 and enter service in 2023.

Image: Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro (left) and Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal (right). Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.