Bombardier unveiled the new sustainably designed Challenger 3500 on the morning of Tuesday 14. The latest evolution of Bombardier’s successful Challenger platform was unveiled during an exclusive celebration in Montreal, Canada, and through a virtual launch worldwide.
The next-generation Challenger 3500 aircraft, an evolution of the Challenger 350 aircraft, introduces redesigned interiors with smart, sustainable cabin features crafted to combine comfort with functionality.
To further elevate the passenger experience, Bombardier’s unique and patented Nuage seat is included in the aircraft’s standard configuration, the first time a seat of this caliber is available in the super-midsize segment.
As part of an overall focus on passenger well-being, this new business jet will offer a reduced cabin altitude from 4,850 feet to 41,000 feet, representing a 31% improvement over its predecessor.
The Challenger 3500 aircraft also introduces several innovative technology features, including the industry’s first voice-controlled cabin to manage lighting, temperature and entertainment systems, the first wireless chargers throughout the cabin, and the only 24-inch 4K display in its class.
Bombardier is introducing in the cabin,a standard-equipped automatic throttle system on the Challenger 3500, which offers the most basic features in its class. This new business jet is expected to enter service in the second half of 2022.
«We are delighted to launch a business jet that features all the best-selling elements of the Challenger platform – an impressive performance, consistent reliability and exceptional smoothness of ride – while elevating the cabin experience for our customers,» said Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier.
«Building on the success of the unmatched Global 7500 business jet cabin, the Challenger 3500 aircraft prioritizes what our customers value most: a truly exceptional cabin experience,» he added.
The latest Challenger has also been designed with sustainability in mind. Following Bombardier’s recent work to make the Global 7500 aircraft the first business jet to receive an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), the Challenger 3500 will be the first business jet in the super-midsize segment to have an EPD.
In addition to this important declaration of the aircraft’s lifecycle environmental footprint, other environmentally conscious initiatives include the option for customers to choose from a selection of high-end sustainable cabin materials.
Another sustainable initiative is the introduction of the first eco app* solution in business aviation. The eco app has been developed by SITA, a leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology, using its existing eWAS Pilot solution with OptiFlight®. The innovative tool is designed to specifically optimize flight plans and reduce fuel consumption, further reducing the aircraft’s environmental footprint.
In line with Bombardier’s environmental objectives, the Challenger 3500 flight test program is using an innovative sustainability approach designed by World Fuel Services. The solution removes some of the carbon emissions from test flight fuel by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and then achieves carbon neutrality by retiring offsets to balance the remaining carbon emissions from jet fuel.
Like its predecessor, the Challenger 3500 business jet is expected to have a strong presence in the global market and be a major economic driver in North America.