Principle Finance acquires Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft

Bombardier Defense has announced the sale of two Challenger 650 aircraft to Principle Finance, an established provider of customised aircraft operating leases in Australia. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be utilised for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions across Australia, marking a significant development in Bombardier Defense’s expansion within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Challenger 650 aircraft are recognised for their exceptional performance, particularly in ISR operations. With capabilities that surpass many older airborne platforms, these aircraft offer enhanced endurance, reaching up to 11 hours of flight time. Their range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometres) and dispatch reliability exceeding 99.9% make them a preferred choice for demanding missions. The aircraft also excel in short-field performance, enabling operations from a wide variety of airfields and provide substantial payload capacity to accommodate mission-specific equipment.

For ISR roles, the Challenger 650’s ability to fly higher, faster and farther offers a strategic edge, allowing it to cover vast areas and deliver performance comparable to large maritime patrol aircraft but at a fraction of the purchase and operational costs. This makes the aircraft an optimal platform for next-generation defence solutions requiring flexibility and adaptability in challenging environments.

Bombardier has significantly increased its Australian presence in recent years. The company opened a Melbourne service centre in 2022 and a new line maintenance station in Perth, enhancing its ability to support regional operators. Additionally, in May 2024, Bombardier Defense established its first international office in Adelaide, strengthening its service offering for special mission customers across the Asia-Pacific market.