Bombardier delivers 1st Challenger 604 into Bahrain

The Bombardier Challenger 604, which is also the first Challenger based in Bahrain, was delivered to Bexair in December 2001 and immediately entered into charter service.

Based at Bexair's executive aviation terminal at Bahrain International Airport, it is being utilized for intercontinental missions, mostly flying regionally and into Europe.

"After a thorough evaluation of several excellent aircraft, we selected the Bombardier Challenger 604," stated Mansour Al-Tassan, Bexair chairman and chief executive officer, at the official inauguration of the company's new aviation terminal and operations center.

"It is the ideal aircraft for charter operations here in the Gulf," he observed. "Providing unmatched cabin comfort and consistently offering a dispatch reliability in excess of 99.6 percent, the Bombardier Challenger 604 delivers everything we need." Mr. Al-Tassan made the observation during the inauguration of Bexair's new terminal.

Officiating the inauguration was His Highness Sheikh Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Bahraini Minister of Transportation. Several dignitaries and other special guests were also in attendance.

"Bombardier is pleased to take part in the celebration of this important milestone, stated Joseph Papke, sales director, Middle East, Africa & India, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. "We look forward to working closely with Bexair as it expands and strengthens its charter services in the region."

This milestone delivery into Bahrain reflects the growing popularity of Bombardier business jets into the Middle East. Bombardier Aerospace and TAG Aeronautics continue to successfully introduce the benefits of business jet travel and broaden the base of corporate aviation.

As of April 2002, a total of 578 Bombardier Challenger aircraft had been delivered, including 234 of the popular Bombardier Challenger 604, the current production model. Currently, a total of 17 Bombardier Challenger models are based in the Middle East.

Since receiving Transport Canada type approval in August 1980, the Bombardier Challenger family of aircraft has been sold to operators in more than 50 countries, and the fleet has amassed more than two million hours of operation, with a dispatch reliability of 99.64 per cent.

First certified by Transport Canada in September 1995, the Bombardier Challenger 604 is the fifth and most advanced Challenger model to date, with a maximum range of 4,077 nautical miles (7, 551 km). Its modest fuel consumption and the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in its class give the Bombardier. Challenger 604 exceptional mission flexibility, equally suited for long intercontinental missions or frequent regional trips.