The Bombardier Challenger* 300 – the industry’s first true super-midsize business jet – touched down at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday, marking the European debut of the newest member of Bombardier’s highly successful Challenger aircraft family.

Aircraft s/n 20-004, the fourth of five aircraft in the Bombardier Challenger 300 flight test program, arrived at the show outfitted with an interior being used for validation of interior systems. It is on static display throughout the entire show. Its arrival kicks off the third annual EBACE convention in grand style.

Now in the final stages of an extensive flight and ground test program that will result in type certification from Transport Canada shortly, the Bombardier Challenger 300 is the only super-midsize jet designed to meet the latest standards of Transport Canada 525, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR 25 and European Joint Aviation Authorities JAR 25 regulations. It will also be fully compliant with Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) regulations.

“The Bombardier Challenger 300 makes its first European appearance during an exciting time in its development. With type certification imminent, the business aircraft industry has become progressively more excited about this aircraft,” commented Bob Horner, regional vice-president, sales, Europe, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. “The Bombardier Challenger 300 combines exceptional cabin comfort and value that are unparalleled in the super-midsize business jet class. It will be an ideal aircraft for European operators.”

Offering a 3,100-nautical-mile (5,471-km) range with eight passengers and with NBAA IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) reserves, it will enter corporate service later this year, making it the first business jet in its class to enter service. “The Bombardier Challenger 300 is rapidly approaching certification and will be a very mature and reliable aircraft when it enters into service,” declared Ed Grabman, Bombardier Challenger 300 test pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center. “Both in the air and in ground testing, all systems and performance expectations are on target.”

Developed following a thorough two-year market research program, the Bombardier Challenger 300 is tailored to executives’ key requirements, and provides a cost-effective step-up for current light and midsize jet operators. The Bombardier Challenger 300 offers non-stop capability from Geneva International Airport throughout Europe, across the Atlantic Ocean, and well into northern Africa. Cities linked by the Bombardier Challenger 300 from Geneva include Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lagos, Nigeria, and St-Johns, Canada.

As of April 23, 2003, the Bombardier Challenger 300 flight test program had accumulated over 2,126 flight test hours during 1,039 flights.

Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.

Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).

* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Mobile : (514) 581-3553

Note to Editors:
For more information on Bombardier business aircraft and to access product fact sheets, please visit: www.businessaircraft.bombardier.com