Airshare Plans to Double Fractional Fleet with Addition of Bombardier’s Best-Selling Challenger 350 Business Jets

Rhea-AI Summary

Airshare has announced the purchase of three Challenger 350 aircraft with the option for 17 more, aiming to expand its fractional ownership fleet significantly. This move positions Airshare to enter the super midsize segment. The Challenger 350, known for its reliability and operating cost efficiency, is expected to enhance Airshare's service offerings, particularly to East Coast clients. The aircraft has maintained its title as the most delivered business jet in its category for seven consecutive years, indicating strong market demand.

Positive

• Order of three Challenger 350 jets with options for 17 more, boosting fleet size.
• Challenger 350 recognized as the top choice for fractional ownership programs.
• Partnership with Bombardier expected to enhance service and attract new customers.

Negative

• None.

• Airshare announces purchase of three Challenger 350 aircraft for delivery by year end with options for an additional 17 business jets over the next few years
• Market-leading Challenger 350 aircraft is ideally suited to launch Airshare into super midsize segment
• The high-performing Challenger 350 aircraft is the undisputed champion of successful fleet operators
  

MONTREAL, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier today welcomed Airshare as its newest fleet operator for its best-selling Challenger 350 business jets. Airshare has ordered three super midsize Challenger 350 aircraft, with options for 17 more, which will enable the Kansas City-based private aviation company to double the size of its fractional ownership fleet in the near future.

“We appreciate the confidence Airshare has expressed in our Challenger 350 aircraft. This jet is the all-round performer. No other aircraft in the category comes close to its superior reliability, range, speed, performance, cabin experience and operating costs,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “Airshare is one of the most successful fractional programs in the country. We are proud they have chosen the Challenger 350 aircraft to anchor their fleet, and we are extremely excited about the potential of this long-term partnership.”

“The addition of super midsize jets into our fleet represents a significant milestone in our vision to intelligently expand the Airshare brand nationally,” said John Owen, President and CEO of Airshare. “Considerable due diligence went into choosing the Challenger 350 business jet, with input from our current customers and contributions from every department in the company. Partnering with Bombardier puts us in an excellent position to attract future customers who have wanted to join our program but desired a larger aircraft with greater range, while also ensuring we continue to deliver best-in-class service that has become synonymous with Airshare.”

Airshare selected the Challenger 350 aircraft as the catalyst for strategically expanding its revolutionary fractional ownership program beyond its core markets in the central United States, with the goal to soon begin serving customers on the East Coast. Airshare’s days-based program appeals to both business and leisure travelers seeking to maximize their efficiency and productivity.

Airshare’s fractional program provides each owner of a 1/16^th share with 20 days and unlimited flight time (based on a customer’s allocation of days with a maximum 14-hour crew duty day). When Airshare shareowners begin and end in the same location, while keeping the aircraft and crew with them, they save up to 35 per cent off their hourly rate. Having the pilots and aircraft stay with shareowners as they travel provides the ultimate in flexibility as they are able to visit multiple locations and adjust their schedules at a moment’s notice.

Airshare also offers its own jet card program, EMBARK, as well as aircraft management, on-demand charter and maintenance services.

In 2020, the Challenger 350 business jet once again cemented its position as the most-delivered business jet in the Medium category seven years in a row. A true powerhouse in the industry, the Challenger 350 aircraft sets the standard by which other super midsize aircraft are compared.

To complement its superior performance capabilities, Bombardier continues to introduce value-added enhancements to the Challenger 350 aircraft cabin, including an expanded selection of stylish interior design schemes, high-speed Ka-band connectivity and an advanced cabin management system. The Challenger 350 aircraft also sets the benchmark for its impressive dispatch reliability rate along with the lowest direct operating costs in its category, thanks to affordable maintenance programs and longer maintenance intervals than any competitor.

About Airshare
Airshare is the safe and simple way to fly private. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kan., the private aviation company serves fractional shareowners and EMBARK® jet cardholders across the central United States. Airshare has received IS-BAO Stage 3 and ARGUS Platinum designations, meeting the highest international standards for safe flight operations. The company operates a fleet of super midsize and light jets within their fractional and EMBARK programs. Airshare provides whole aircraft management and charter services nationwide, while also providing comprehensive maintenance services for third-party aircraft. For more information visit www.flyairshare.com.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, creating innovative and game-changing planes. Our products and services provide world-class experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, Bombardier is present in more than 12 countries including its production/engineering sites and its customer support network. The Corporation supports a worldwide fleet of more than 4,900 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments and private individuals.

News and information is available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger and Challenger 350 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For information
Bombardier
Anna Cristofaro
+ 1 514-855-8678
anna.cristofaro@aero.bombardier.com

Airshare
Bill Patterson, VMLY&R for Airshare
+ 1 816-674-4446
bill.patterson@vmlyr.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Airshare's order of Challenger 350 aircraft?

Airshare's order for three Challenger 350s, with options for 17 more, allows the company to expand its fractional ownership fleet significantly and enter the super midsize segment.

When will the Challenger 350 aircraft be delivered to Airshare?

The three Challenger 350 aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

How does the Challenger 350 compare to other business jets?

The Challenger 350 is noted for its superior reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness, leading it to be the most delivered business jet in its category for seven consecutive years.

What market does Airshare aim to serve with the new Challenger 350 jets?

Airshare plans to expand its services to the East Coast, targeting both business and leisure travelers.

What benefits does Airshare's fractional ownership program offer?

Airshare's fractional ownership program provides 20 days of flight time for a 1/16th share, allowing significant flexibility and cost savings for shareowners.