Swiss charter operator VistaJet has placed the largest Bombardier business jet order in history with a deal to acquire as many as 142 Global twinjets. The $3.1 billion firm order announced on Tuesday includes commitments for 56 Global jets, and could climb to $7.8 billion if VistaJet exercises options for 86 more Globals.
“By any standard, this is a historic order for Bombardier,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It goes without saying that we are thrilled VistaJet has again chosen to grow their fleet with the industry-leading Global family.”
Bombardier said the firm order comprises 25 Global 5000, 25 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets. The agreement also includes options for 40 Global 5000, 40 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014.
For VistaJet, the order signifies a key part of its expansion plans and ambitions to make business aviation more accessible in emerging markets. Thomas Flohr, founder and Chairman of VistaJet, explained: “This order is the most significant milestone for VistaJet and is a testimony to our successful strategy that focuses on global coverage. Our customers need to fly point-to-point across the globe, and in many instances at short notice. Whether it’s a direct flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, from London to Luanda or from Kinshasa to Ulan Bator, we are seamlessly connecting our customers to every corner of the world.”