Bombardier announced its first delivery of a Challenger 3500 in Turkey. Long-time customer Arkasair said the super-midsize jet will replace a Challenger 300 in its air taxi and charter fleet. Arkasair has also operated a Learjet 60 and Challenger 604 since it was founded in 1998.

Martine De Andria, the Izmir-based company’s deputy general manager, noted that the 3500 “perfectly complements the impeccable standards that our VIP air taxi clients have come to demand and expect,” adding that it is “truly an impressive aircraft with its luxurious, comfortable cabin and outstanding performance attributes.”

The 3500—the latest development in the airframer’s Challenger 300 series—integrates many design and technology features from its larger Global siblings, including the Nuage seats. It is also the first in the super-midsize category to have an environmental product declaration, documenting its life cycle environmental footprint.

“Arkasair and Bombardier share a like-minded vision,” explained Emmanuel Bornand, the OEM’s v-p of sales for Europe, Russia, CIS, Middle East, and Africa. “We strive for excellence and work tirelessly to offer an exceptional experience to our clients." He noted that Bombardier continues to look for new opportunities to expand its presence in Turkey, which he described as an “important country.”