VistaJet picks Priester Aviation to operate Challenger 350s in US
Challenger 350 9H-VCB arriving into Shannon on delivery (Photo: Malcolm Nason)
VistaJet has picked Priester Aviation to operate its US Challenger 350 jets. Priester Aviation has been operating three Challenger 350s for VistaJet since June 2015. VistaJet owns the aircraft but is unable to operate aircraft in the US because of foreign ownership rules.
“We are very pleased with the rate of growth in the United States and are delighted to add service on Challenger 350 aircraft to complement the larger Global 5000 jets,” said Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman, VistaJet. “Our alliance with Priester Aviation solidifies our commitment to the North American market. Priester Aviation has an impeccable reputation for aircraft service, charter operations and management in the United States. Like VistaJet, they have solid roots as a family operation and understand the importance of impeccable customer service.”
VistaJet now has seven aircraft in the US: three Challenger 350s with Priester Aviation and four Global 5000 aircraft with Jet Aviation.
“We’re proud to be selected as VistaJet’s operator of choice for their US based Challenger 350 aircraft,” said Andy Priester, president and CEO for Priester Aviation. “Our reputation for excellent service combined with our robust and advanced operating systems make us a natural partner for VistaJet.”
On October 28, 2015, a N-registered Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft, owned by VistaJet and operated by Priester Aviation set a world speed record in its class, flying from Napa Valley to the Cayman Islands.The jet covered a distance of 2,774 miles (4,463 km) in 5 hours and 5 minutes. The aircraft left Napa County Airport in California at 8:22 a.m., PDT, on October 28, 2015, with three crew and 2 passengers on board. The maximum cruising speed was M 0.83 at a cruise level of 41,000 feet (12,497 m). The pilots touched down at Owen Robert International Airport in Grand Cayman at 1:27 p.m. PDT with more than sufficient fuel reserves.
VistaJet’s Challenger 350 aircraft have a cabin hostess jumpseat giving passengers more privacy.
