NetJets has ordered 100 Challengers, with options for an additional 175, and up to 150 Citation Latitudes.

This is the largest order for business jets which Bombardier has ever received, and initially comprises 75 Challenger 300 and 25 Challenger 605 aircraft, with a substantial aftermarket agreement to cover a term of up to 15 years. Deliveries will begin in 2014 and 2015 respectively, and NetJets confirms that some of the new aircraft will be allocated to the European fleet.

"We are very impressed with Bombardier's overall product portfolio," says Jordan Hansell, chairman and ceo, NetJets Inc. "The Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 jets will be an excellent complement to our existing mid cabin capabilities and overall fleet that is unmatched in private aviation.

"We are particularly appreciative that Bombardier has been responsive to our needs in bringing a NetJets configuration for our owners."

First deliveries of the Citation Latitudes will be in 2016. "We are delighted to be working with Cessna to acquire aircraft that are ideally suited to our owners' needs," says Hansell. "The Latitudes will enable us to deliver unparalleled safety, service, reliability and efficiency, along with new aircraft features that will differentiate our fleet and build on the NetJets flying experience."

Currently, NetJets owns and operates more than 250 Citations including the Encore, XLS+, Sovereign and Citation X.

Positioned between the XLS+ and Sovereign in Cessna's product line, the Latitude design, at a current retail price of $14.9 million, offers a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds, a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots true airspeed and a range of 2,300 nautical miles.

Preliminary specifications project that the aircraft will operate at airports with runways as short as 3,900 feet, will have a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and will climb direct to 43,000 feet in 26 minutes.

First flight of the Citation Latitude prototype is expected to be mid-year 2014, with entry into service planned for 2015.