Bombardier Challenger 350 Sets World Speed Record

A Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft, owned by VistaJet, a leader in premium long-range private jet travel, set a world speed record in its class, flying from Napa Valley to the Cayman Islands - a distance of 2,774 miles (4,463 km) - in five hours and five minutes.

The US-registered Challenger 350 aircraft, managed and operated by Priester Aviation, departed Napa County Airport in California at 08:22 PDT on 28 October 2015 with three crew and two passengers on board.

The maximum cruising speed was M 0.83 at a cruise level of 41,000 feet (12,497 m) and the pilots touched down at Owen Robert International Airport in Grand Cayman at 13:27 PDT with more than sufficient fuel reserves.

"The Challenger 350 aircraft handled beautifully throughout the flight," said Priester Aviation's Captain Andy Wegman. "Thanks to its unmatched climb characteristics, we took it straight to 41,000 feet (12,497 m) in under 20 minutes, where we cruised comfortably at ground speeds up to 545 kts to set the record."

The Challenger 350 jet boasts a true seats full, tanks full, 3,200 NM (5,926 km) range that connects New York City with London.

"We've taken delivery of 13 Challenger 350 jets over the past year, and to date, our experience with this aircraft has been very positive," said Nick Van Der Meer, Chief Operating Officer, VistaJet International. "We provide our customers with the best aircraft options for their intercontinental and transcontinental travel needs, and the capability showcased by the Challenger 350 jet on this new world speed record serves to reinforce this commitment."