Bombardier has outlined its plans to launch three corporate shuttle models. The Challenger 850, 870 and 890 are derivatives of the CRJ200, 700 and 900 regional jets.

Although business jet derivatives of regional aircraft are not uncommon, the introduction of a trio of corporate shuttle models aimed at business commuters is a first

for Bombardier.

The company states that the key advantages of the aircraft are drawn from the proven reliability of the 1,233 CRJs delivered to date, favourable operating economics and wide body cabins, offering operators the flexibility to configure the aircraft to suit the requirements of their clients and missions profiles.

Bombardier is hoping to capitalise on a market it feels is under served by commercial airlines, namely multinational organisations that require medium density aircraft to ferry employees between locations.

“In addition to a significant fleet of some 255 older generation aircraft currently in shuttle service, our research indicates that corporations worldwide require more flexible, secure and economic transportation solutions for their employees,” said Bombardier Business Aircraft vp James Hoblyn.

Each aircraft will offer a choice of three floor plan configurations. The standard cabin features CRJ economy class seating with four seats per row, seating up to 50 passengers with the CL850, 70 with the CL870 and up to 90 passengers in the CL890.

The two alternative configurations – split cabin and deluxe cabin – offer either a mixture of business and economy class seating or business class throughout, with capacity for between 27 and 52 passengers across the fleet.

All of the aircraft will have a service ceiling of 41,000 feet. The CL850 offers a high speed cruise of Mach 0.80; the other two aircraft will fly at Mach 0.82.