Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Matt Thurber

Flexjet has sold 20 of its Bombardier Challenger 300s to charter operator Baker Aviation. According to Flexjet, the deal for the super-midsize jets closed in late November. Baker Aviation is a wholesale charter provider with a fleet of Cessna Citation Xs.
“Flexjet is committed to the ongoing modernization of our fleet, ensuring our aircraft owners have access to the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft available,” said Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “This partnership with Baker Aviation allows these Challenger 300s to remain a productive part of the private aviation ecosystem, as we continue to take on delivery of new super-midsize aircraft in the form of the Embraer Praetor 600 and Bombardier Challenger 3500.”
While Flexjet didn’t say how many Challenger 300s remain in its fleet, it will retain enough “to service some jet card and on-demand charter storefront lift,” the company told AIN.
In a LinkedIn post, Baker Aviation president Timothy Livingston said, “We are looking forward to building the Challenger 300 side of our business just like we did with the Citation Xs. We still plan to operate (and possibly grow) the Citation X business for many years to come.
“We will make announcements as we get more 300s on our certificate. Tentatively, we will have two more (five total) on certificate by December 15 to help with some holiday travel.”
West Elk Aviation served as the transaction advisor, structuring the multi-party agreement and supporting Baker Aviation’s execution of its fleet, operational, and long-term strategic objectives.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Baker Aviation Buys 20 Bombardier Challenger 300s from Flexjet

Wholesale charter provider is adding the super-midsize jets to its fleet of Citation Xs

While Flexjet didn’t say how many Challenger 300s remain in its fleet, it will retain some “to service some jet card and on-demand charter storefront lift,” the company told AIN.

Baker Aviation Buys 20 Challenger 300s from Flexjet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

Challenger 300/350/3500

Flexjet

Bombardier

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