Bombardier Challenger 350 owner and Entertainment Technology Partners chairman and CEO Les Goldberg is the launch customer for the next generation of the super-midsize business jet—the Challenger 3500. Bombardier (Booth 901, Static A709) announced the launch customer Monday at NBAA-BACE, just a few weeks after revealing plans for the Challenger 3500, which offers a new look with high-end interior features borrowed from its Global family and a new branding that ties it closer to the nomenclature of its ultra-long-range, large-cabin models.

Bombardier president and CEO Eric Martel expressed enthusiasm about having the ability to unveil a launch customer and highlight the product line’s newest addition during NBAA-BACE. “What better way to celebrate our newest business jet than to showcase our beautiful interior mockup and to be joined by Mr. Goldberg,” Martel said.

Goldberg cited the aircraft’s reliability in his decision to return for the next iteration of the aircraft model. “I know the new Challenger will allow me to travel the world to run my business,” he said. “I’m looking forward to all the improvements that they have done to make the airplane exceptional.”

Along with the Nuage seats, a new, sustainable interior finishings, the 3500 features a lower cabin altitude, voice-controlled cabin management system, autothrottle, and a number of other enhancements.

In addition to the launch customer, Bombardier also has recently announced a firm order for 20 Model 3500s, marking its largest deal of the year. A Challenger 3500 mockup is joining a Global 7500 and Global 6500 on the static display this week at NBAA-BACE.