The Ryanair Group has expanded its fleet with the addition of a second brand-new Challenger 3500 aircraft. The aircraft registered M-ABTE (msn 21056) was delivered directly from Bombardier’s Montreal factory to Dublin on 17 April. The aircraft touched down at 17:34 local time, before departing just under an hour later at 18:31 for London Stansted, where it will be based.
The new Challenger 3500 joins Ryanair’s existing fleet of one Challenger 3500 registered M-ABSU, and four Learjet 45s, registered M-ABEU, M-ABGV, M-ABJA, and M-ABRB. These aircraft are operated by Aviation Finance & Leasing (Malta) and play a vital AOG role minimizing EU261 costs in supporting the airline’s expansive fleet of 617 aircraft flying across Europe and North Africa.
The Challenger 3500 is particularly well-suited for Ryanair’s operational needs, with an exceptional dispatch reliability rate of 99.8%. Its cost-efficient operation is complemented by the widest cabin in its class, which allows Ryanair to transport large Aircraft on Ground (AOG) components, a critical feature for minimizing downtime.
Ryanair’s fleet of Challenger 3500s and Learjets are strategically stationed at the airline’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) bases in London Stansted and Milan Bergamo.
Image Credit: Bombardier Aerospace
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