Bombardier Aerospace today announced a significant business jet order as VistaJet of Switzerland, placed a firm orders for 11 Challenger 605 jets, 13 Learjet 60 XR aircraft, and 11 new Learjet 85 aircraft, for a total of 35 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft. The total value of the order, if all options are exercised will be approximately $1.2 billion U.S., based on the 2008 list price of typically equipped aircraft.

In addition to the aircraft order, Bombardier also announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VistaJet for the sale of Bombardier Skyjet International, its pioneering charter program.

“This is fantastic,” exclaimed Bob Horner, senior vice-president, sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “An order of this magnitude serves as proof that Bombardier is at the forefront of the industry offering the most innovative aircraft and widest range of travel solutions. It confirms the popularity of our Challenger 605 and Learjet 60 XR aircraft, and reflects the building excitement around our new Learjet 85 program.

“Skyjet International has been a solid platform for Bombardier and the time is now to blend our innovative offering with VistaJet, a leading business aviation provider that can apply additional expertise and provide dynamic leadership,” continued Mr. Horner. “With the acquisition of Skyjet International, VistaJet will effectively become one of the largest aviation providers in the world.”

VistaJet is a privately-owned company headquartered in Switzerland, offering revolutionary business aviation solutions through its one of a kind Flight Solutions Program. The VistaJet fleet comprises of more than thirty medium to ultra-long range, state of the art jets with an average age of less than two years. The current fleet includes Learjet 40XR and Learjet 60XR aircraft, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Challenger 850 jets, and a
Global Express XRS jet.

“This is a strategic milestone for VistaJet, heralding-in a new era in our business as we expand our operations worldwide,” said Bing Chen, chief executive officer, VistaJet. “Our success is due in part to the popularity, reliability and proven performance of our Bombardier business jets, and as the demand for VistaJet offerings continues to increase, we are confident that our relationship with Bombardier will continue to produce exceptional results for our business.”

This gross order will effectively triple the size of the existing VistaJet fleet if all options are exercised. The company recently forecast a 50 per cent increase in revenues for this year, with plans of expanding their fleet and opperations, offering more flights to Asia. VistaJet projects approximately 80,000 flight hours for 2012.

With the acquisition of Skyjet International, VistaJet will offer its charter customers access to over 920 business jets worldwide, combining luxury service with a very young Bombardier business jet fleet and the industry leading Jet Member card. VistaJet has been a member of Skyjet International’s elite network of charter providers since 2005.