Middle East-based executive charter operator Rizon Jet has bucked the downturn in new business aircraft sales by placing a firm order for four Bombardier Learjet 85s worth $68 million. The jets will join a fleet that is also soon to include three Challenger 605s and a second Hawker Beechcraft 900XP. One of the three Challenger 605s will be coming from a source other than Bombardier but the seller has not been identified. These deliveries will start during the second quarter of this year.

Rizon, based in Bahrain, will be receiving a second 900XP in April. It also has a Global 5000 on order for delivery in 2011. The Learjet 85 deliveries are due to start in 2014.
The operator intends to base two of the eight-passenger Learjet 85s at a new FBO slated to open at London Biggin Hill Airport in September. The plan is to have the 3,000-nm-range aircraft available to serve both the European market during the summer months and the Middle Eastern market during winter months.