Jetflite’s Newly Delivered Challenger 650 Aircraft Demonstrates Versatility for Medevac Use in Efforts to Assist with COVID-19 Evacuation Flights

• Aircraft completed its first 100 hours of flight in just 14 days upon delivery
• Unique adaptability of the Challenger 650 aircraft lends itself to VIP or air ambulance configuration
• On its longest tour, the aircraft visited 10 countries across three continents in just five days
• In addition to its quiet and widest-in-class cabin, impressive range and outstanding short-field performance, the Challenger 650 aircraft’s exceptionally smooth ride provides added comfort for passengers receiving medical care

MONTREAL, May 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Aviation and Finnish charter operator Jetflite today revealed details of how a freshly delivered Challenger 650 business jet was immediately pressed into service to repatriate dozens of patients impacted by COVID-19 as airports and borders around the world shut down. True to its reputation for tried-and-true performance, the Challenger 650 aircraft performed flawlessly straight out of delivery, completing its first 100 hours in just 14 days.

The aircraft, configured for executive charter service, was delivered to long-time Bombardier customer Wihuri Group, a large Finnish industrial conglomerate, on March 26, 2020. The aircraft is operated by Jetflite, which is owned by Wihuri Group. The unique adaptability of the Challenger 650 aircraft interior allows Jetflite to quickly transform the business jet’s 12-to-16-passenger VIP configuration to an air ambulance configuration, complete with two stretchers, a portable isolation unit, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 test kits and a medical team to respond effectively to the growing worldwide humanitarian crisis.

“Our Jetflite fleet is always busy, but completing the first 100 hours inside 14 days directly out of the factory was something of a record, even for us, particularly in light of the challenges in flight route planning, obtaining diplomatic clearances and booking risk-free crew accommodation during the spread of COVID-19,” said Elina Karjalainen, Managing Director, Jetflite. “We are very proud to have this impressive new aircraft in our fleet, and to be able to help so many people, as we wait for better days ahead.”

On its longest tour, the aircraft traversed three continents in five days, flying from its base in Helsinki, Finland, to Portugal, Italy, Mali, Canary Islands, Liberia, South Africa, Seychelles, Afghanistan and Estonia to repatriate citizens to their home countries.