- Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A) subsidiary, Bombardier Defense, sold two Challenger 650s to Principle Finance, a provider of customized operating lease for aircraft in Australia
- The jets will be deployed on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions upon delivery in 2026
- Bombardier designs, builds, modifies and maintains a line of jets for individuals, businesses, governments and militaries around the world
- Bombardier stock has added 45.17 per cent year-over-year and 356.80 per cent since 2020, largely driven by an ongoing two-year stretch of consistent net income generation
Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A) subsidiary, Bombardier Defense, sold two Challenger 650s to Principle Finance, a provider of customized operating lease for aircraft in Australia, which will deploy them on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions upon delivery in 2026.
The Challenger 650, configured for business jet use, can fly for up to 11 hours over a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km) and has achieved a dispatch reliability of over 99.9 per cent.
According to Tuesday’s news release, the aircraft is “an ideal choice for ISR missions by flying higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne platforms, ensuring the coverage of expansive territories, and offering performance comparable to large maritime patrol aircraft at fractions of their purchase and operating costs.”
The deal continues Bombardier’s expansion in Australia in recent years, including a recently debuted line maintenance station in Perth – the company’s 10th such station around the word – in addition to Bombardier Defense’s first office in Adelaide opened in May 2024 and the company’s Melbourne service center opened in 2022.
Bombardier Defense will be in attendance at the Avalon Airshow in Avalon, Australia, until March 30, 2025.
Leadership insights
“This purchase represents a major milestone for Bombardier Defense, increasing our presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president, aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense, said in a statement. “Our aircraft are the platform of choice not only due to their reach, persistence and performance, but also due to the large accessibility of our services and support ecosystem in the country. This represents an undeniable advantage and flexibility to operators.”
“We are excited to integrate the Bombardier Challenger 650 into our fleet, leveraging its exceptional performance and reliability, which will play a crucial role in our future operations,” added Harrison Langrell, managing director of Principle Finance. “This platform allows us to enhance our surveillance reach and effectiveness, ensuring we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defense landscape.”
About Bombardier
Bombardier designs, builds, modifies and maintains a line of jets for individuals, businesses, governments and militaries around the world. The company’s customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft supported by 10 service facilities across six countries. It operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Bombardier stock (TSX:BBD.A) last traded at C$85.65 per share. The stock has added 45.17 per cent year-over-year and 356.80 per cent since 2020, largely driven by an ongoing two-year stretch of consistent net income generation.
Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about this jet maker on the Bombardier Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.
The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
(Top photo from left to right of Michael Anckner, vice president worldwide pre-owned, fleet, defense and Latin America, Bombardier Defense; Harrison Langrell, managing director, Principle Finance; and Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president, aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense: Bombardier)
