NetJets is nearing the entry-into-service of its new Bombardier Challenger 650 following recent certification of the twinjet from the FAA and Transport Canada. Bombardier unveiled plans for the latest iteration of the Challenger 600-series during last year’s NBAA Convention in Orlando, Fla., with NetJets as the launch customer.

A year later, NetJets has brought the aircraft to NBAA 2015 for display at Henderson Executive Airport. While the first of the new NetJets fleet, the business jet will mark the 1,000th Challenger 600-series aircraft to enter service.

The 650 is equipped with new 9,220-pound-thrust GE CF34-3BMTO engines that provide 5 percent more takeoff thrust than those on the Challenger 605. It has a shorter takeoff distance, extra payload capacity and a 4,000-nm-range capability.

The Challenger 650 also is fitted with the Bombardier Vision flight deck, based on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced avionics system, with 15-inch displays. The flight deck includes head-up guidance, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, MultiScan weather radar and an Integrated Flight Information System. Bombardier added wider seats in the cabin, a galley with a convection oven, more storage in and around the seats and an audio/video-on-demand system.

Transport Canada awarded type certification on November 9, with the FAA approval following shortly afterward.

The NetJets Challenger 650, unveiled on Monday at the NBAA show, was customized to the fractional-share company’s Signature Series specifications. This includes a new in-flight entertainment system and hand-selected wood veneers, carpeting and leather upholstery.

“Bringing our Signature Series concept to this new aircraft has been an important project for us,” said Pat Gallagher, executive v-p of sales and marketing for NetJets. Gallagher called the aircraft “a wonderful addition to our fleet. It’s a state-of-the-art widebody aircraft that expands our large cabin offerings.”

The 650 is part of an order NetJets originally placed in June 2012 for 100 Challengers and options for an additional 175. The order was part of a multi-year effort to streamline and refresh the fleet with new Signature Series aircraft. In addition to the 650s, NetJets also has ordered 50 Globals with options for 70 more from Bombardier.