Air Independence Orders Three Challenger 605 Jets

Released on Thursday, June 14, 2007

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Air Independence has placed a firm order for three widebody Challenger 605 business jets. The transaction is valued at approximately $82 million US, based on the list price for typically equipped aircraft. The new aircraft will be based in Munich and are scheduled for delivery between October 2009 and end of February 2010.

"Our customers love our current Challenger business jet fleet. Spacious, ultra silent cabins, transcontinental range, versatility and overall travel comfort make this family of aircraft perfect for European charter operation," said Andrian Feuchter, managing director, Air Independence. "We expect this satisfaction level will climb even higher once the Challenger 605 jets join the fleet. The cabin feels even more spacious and brighter and the aircraft's impressive new technology features will undoubtedly contribute towards even greater passenger comfort and productivity."

Air Independence, a leading business aviation services company in Europe, currently operates two Challenger 604 jets and one Challenger 800 aircraft. The Challenger 605 aircraft, featuring a restyled interior, new top-of-the-line avionics suite and an increased payload capacity, will join the Air Independence fleet upon entry into service.

"The superior performance of the Challenger Series is one of the main reasons Bombardier is the leader in the large jet category worldwide and in Europe with an installed fleet of 103 aircraft, or 54 per cent of the market share in the continent as at March 31, 2007," said Bob Horner, vice-president, international sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "We're delighted that Air Independence is reconfirming its preference for the Challenger family by adopting its newest member, the Challenger 605."

In service since January 2007 with Bombardier's demonstration fleet, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and features an all-new cabin electronic system. The aircraft can whisk five-passengers from Munich-Boston and Munich-Calcutta non-stop*, in superior comfort.