Bombardier Aerospace has secured a firm order for two Challenger 605 aircraft from the Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS) for use primarily in search and rescue, as well as other special mission applications. The aircraft will be manufactured at Bombardier’s facility in Montréal, Québec, Canada and outfitted with special mission equipment by a sub-contractor to Bombardier.

“This latest order from the GFS further reaffirms the Challenger jet’s growing popularity as a special mission aircraft with government agencies around the globe,” said Derek Gilmour, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Administration, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft & Military Aviation Training, Bombardier Aerospace. “Its range, proven reliability and versatility make it the ideal platform for search and rescue, airborne surveillance and air medical transport type missions.”

“We’re proud of the confidence that the GFS has placed in Bombardier and are sure that these Challenger 605 aircraft will serve GFS well in its search and rescue missions,” added Mr. Gilmour.

The new aircraft will replace the existing search and rescue aircraft currently operated by the GFS for long-range search and rescue operations.

Several Challenger aircraft are currently deployed in multi-role service in Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and the Republic of South Korea. It is also used as a head of state aircraft in Australia, Croatia, Germany, Jordan and the United States.

In service since January 2007, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. The Challenger 605 aircraft offers a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km)*, providing exceptional mission flexibility and making it ideally suited for long intercontinental missions or frequent regional trips.