The GAMA data for 2018 is in, and deliveries for last year by model had some surprising results. The best seller is, surprisingly, a super mid-sized jet, with the second, third and fourth best sellers all in the light jet category.
First Place: Bombardier’s Challenger 350
The most delivered true business jet in 2018 is the Challenger 350 from Bombardier, which delivered 60 aircraft. This super-mid-sized jet has the capability to carry a full load of 10-11 passengers 3,200 nautical miles at cruise altitudes of 45,000 ft. With a large and comfortable cabin, this aircraft is making its mark with corporations throughout the world and is a favorite of fractional ownership operators. With a typically equipped price of around $27-28 million, the Challenger 350 is by far the market leader in its class.
The Challenger 350 accounted for 58 percent of deliveries in the super mid-size segment, which it has led for a second consecutive year. Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide sales and marketing, cited the reasons for its success. “With its unmatched reliability and economics, unrivaled cabin comfort and ultra-smooth ride, this aircraft offers customers an unbeatable value proposition. As business jet shipments show continued strength, we are confident that the Challenger 350 business jet will remain the leading choice of knowledgeable and experienced operators across the globe.”
Second Place – Embraer Phenom 300
In second place was the Embraer Phenom 300, which delivered 57 jets in 2018. The Phenom 300 is a light jet and has led this category for the last seven consecutive years. This popular light jet is typically priced at around $9.5 million and can carry 6 passengers 1,970 nautical miles, cruising at an altitude of 45,000 feet.
“The Phenom 300’s continued success in the market is a reflection of our commitment to fascinate customers and deliver the ultimate customer experience in business aviation, ” said Michael Amalfitano, President, and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “The revolutionary interior design of the Phenom 300E adds even more value to this already popular model, reaffirming our commitment to continue to invest in innovation.”
Congratulations to Bombardier and Embraer on their class-leading performances in 2018.
