This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier.

Bombardier Secures Massive Challenger 3500 Order from Vista Global

In a major development for the business aviation sector, Bombardier announced on February 11, 2026, that it has secured a significant fleet agreement with longtime customer Vista Global. The parent company of VistaJet and XO has committed to a firm order of 40 Challenger 3500 business jets, accompanied by purchase options for an additional 120 aircraft. This transaction underscores the continued demand for super-midsize jets and strengthens the decades-long relationship between the Canadian manufacturer and the global subscription operator.

According to the announcement, deliveries for the new fleet are scheduled to commence immediately in 2026 and will continue over the next decade. The deal is structured to standardize Vista’s super-midsize offerings, ensuring consistent capacity for its growing membership base. If all options are exercised, the agreement could encompass up to 160 aircraft, representing one of the largest commitments in the program’s history.

Deal Structure and Financial Impact

The financial scale of this agreement is substantial. Based on 2026 list prices, the firm order for 40 aircraft is valued at approximately $1.18 billion USD. Should Vista Global exercise all 120 options, the total value of the transaction could reach an estimated $4.72 billion USD. This structure provides Vista with the flexibility to scale its fleet in response to market conditions while securing production slots in a supply-constrained environment.

Éric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, highlighted the significance of the order in a statement regarding the partnership:

“These significant orders are a testament to how well this aircraft serves our customers… Vista has been a valued Bombardier customer since they began operating. We are proud that our relationship will further deepen.”

Why the Challenger 3500?

The selection of the Challenger 3500 aligns with Vista’s strategy to harmonize its fleet on a modern, efficient platform. The aircraft is an evolution of the Challenger 350, designed to bring “large-jet” amenities to the super-midsize category. Key features cited in the selection process include:

• Passenger Comfort: The aircraft features Bombardier’s patented “Nuage” zero-gravity seating, previously exclusive to the larger Global 7500, and maintains a cabin altitude of 4,850 feet at 41,000 feet to reduce passenger fatigue.
• Technology: It boasts the industry’s first voice-controlled cabin management system, allowing passengers to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment hands-free.
• Sustainability: The Challenger 3500 is the first super-midsize jet to carry an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), offering verified transparency regarding its environmental footprint, a critical factor for Vista’s carbon-neutrality goals.

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of Vista, emphasized the long-term vision behind the acquisition:

“This agreement is about leadership, preparedness and client experience. We are continuing to build the fleet our Members will rely on over the next decade, not reacting to short-term cycles, but investing with clarity, scale and discipline.”

Strategic Implications for the Market

This order arrives at a pivotal time for the business aviation industry. By locking in inventory for the next 10 years, Vista is effectively future-proofing its operations against supply chain volatility. The new units are expected to replace older Challenger 300/350 models and legacy Citation X aircraft within the Vista and XO fleets, lowering the average fleet age and simplifying maintenance protocols.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this transaction as a strong validation of the super-midsize segment, which remains the “sweet spot” for business aviation, balancing transcontinental range (3,400 nautical miles) with operating costs significantly lower than heavy jets. For Bombardier, this order provides critical long-term visibility.

With a backlog that stood at a record $16.1 billion in late 2025, adding a potential 160 units solidifies the Challenger production line well into the 2030s. Furthermore, this deal highlights the increasing dominance of large fleet operators. As entities like Vista, NetJets, and Flexjet consume vast amounts of production capacity, individual buyers may face increased difficulty in securing near-term delivery slots, potentially driving up residual values for existing aircraft.

Sources

Sources: Bombardier