Bombardier has revealed its new sustainably designed Challenger 3500 aircraft. It was unveiled through a worldwide virtual launch during an exclusive celebration in Montréal, Canada. The new jet is expected to enter service in the second half of 2022.

The next generation Challenger 3500, is an evolution of the Challenger 350. It has a redesigned interior with sustainably minded cabin features designed to offer comfort and function. Bombardier's patented Nuage seats are included in the standard configuration of the aircraft. As part of its focus on passenger wellness, it says the jet will provide a reduced cabin altitude of 4,850ft at 41,000ft, representing a 31% improvement on its predecessor.

The aircraft includes several technical features such as a voice controlled cabin to manage lighting, temperature and entertainment systems; wireless chargers throughout the cabin; and a 24-inch, 4K display. In the cockpit, it introduces a standard-equipped autothrottle system to the Challenger 3500 flight deck.

“We are thrilled to launch a business jet that features all the best-selling elements of the Challenger platform, including impressive performance, consistent reliability and an exceptional smooth ride, while elevating the cabin experience for our customers,” says Éric Martel, president and chief executive officer, Bombardier. “Building on the success of the unrivalled Global 7500 business jet cabin, the Challenger 3500 aircraft prioritises what our customers value most: a truly exceptional cabin experience.”

Having made the Global 7500 aircraft the first business jet to receive an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), it aims for the Challenger 3500 aircraft to be the first business jet in the super mid-size segment to have an EPD.

The Challenger 3500 flight test programme is using a sustainability approach designed by World Fuel Services. The solution removes some of the carbon emissions from the fuel of the test flights by using book-and-claim sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchases and then attains carbon neutrality by retiring offsets to balance the remaining carbon emissions from the jet fuel.