Bombardier Aerospace and NetJets celebrated the rollout of the fractional provider�s first Global-series jet today, in this case a Global 6000 (XRS). Last March, NetJets placed an order for 50 Globals worth $2.8 billion, as well as options for an additional 70, breaking the fractional provider�s tradition of buying only Gulfstreams for its large-cabin jet fleets.
Executives from NetJets and Bombardier, as well as 1,000 Bombardier employees, were on hand for this morning�s ceremony at the Canadian aircraft manufacturer�s plant in Toronto. After the event, the green aircraft was ferried to Bombardier�s Global completion center in Dorval, Quebec, for outfitting. NetJets� Global 6000s, to be configured for up to 13 passengers, will feature an aft-cabin state room and full-service galley.
Donald Strench, vice president of fleet planning and acquisitions at NetJets, said the Global series �is ideally suited to our owners� needs for safety, extended range, superior reliability, cabin comfort and operating efficiency.�
NetJets� firm order includes 30 ultra-long-range Global 5000s and 6000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter. It also includes firm orders for 20 extended-range Global 7000s and 8000s, for delivery starting in 2017.