VistaJet places $1.2bn order

has received an order from

, a Switzerland-based private jet company, for 11 Challenger 605 jets, 13 Learjet 60 XR aircraft, and 11 new Learjet 85 aircraft.

The contract, which represents 35 firm orders with options for an additional 25 aircraft, is worth approximately $1.2bn

In addition to the aircraft order, Bombardier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VistaJet for the sale of its charter program, Bombardier Skyjet International.

‘With the acquisition of Skyjet International, VistaJet will effectively become one of the largest aviation providers in the world,’ said Bob Horner, senior vice-president, sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft

The VistaJet fleet comprises more than thirty medium to ultra-long range jets with an average age of less than two years. The current fleet includes Learjet 40XR and Learjet 60XR aircraft, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, Challenger 605 and Challenger 850 jets, and a ?Global Express XRS jet.

According to Bombardier, this gross order will effectively triple the size of the existing VistaJet fleet if all options are exercised. VistaJet recently forecast a 50 per cent increase in revenues for this year, with plans to expand its fleet and operations, offering more flights to