Bombardier Aerospace today launched the Bombardier Transatlantic Express, the world’s first fixed-price business jet charter service between Western Europe and North America.

The new service – which utilizes the long-range Bombardier Global Express business jet – will establish a new speed standard by connecting North America and Europe faster than any other civil aircraft since the Concorde.

The Bombardier Transatlantic Express offers return trips between any city in Western Europe and the U.S. Eastern coast for a fixed price. The service is scheduled to begin operations in summer 2004 and will be operated through Bombardier Flexjet Europe, headquartered in London, U.K.

“Following the Concorde’s retirement last year, we received an overwhelming demand to develop a superior solution to cross the Atlantic faster than today’s scheduled services,” said Judith Moreton, managing director, Bombardier Flexjet Europe. “Our solution is the Bombardier Transatlantic Express which offers executive flights at a fixed cost, superior speed and unmatched flexibility.

“Our solution is ideal because, unlike other transatlantic business jet travel programs where customers must purchase an aircraft share, this service is offered ‘by the flight’ and is available to anyone. This is a straightforward, simple program.”

Superior speed, superior access

Designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 0.89 (520 mph; 950 km/h), the Bombardier Global Express can transport passengers from New York to virtually any European city, or from London to most major cities in the eastern and central United States faster than any large business jet. Its flying time is approximately 36 minutes faster than its closest competitor, the Falcon 900EX.

In addition, unlike scheduled business jet services currently offered by some airlines, the Bombardier Global Express business jet also provides access to a significantly larger number of airfields, so passengers arrive and depart closer to their final destinations. The Bombardier Transatlantic Express service, for example has access to six airports in the London area, three in Paris, and six in greater New York.

The ultimate service

In addition to superior value, speed and flexibility, Bombardier Transatlantic Express service customers will enjoy enhanced service including limousine service, dedicated check-in, and many more special services.