CINCINNATI, Dec. 15, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Delta AirElite, Delta's private jet charter and aircraft management service, announced today that the company has added a Bombardier Challenger 300 and Learjet 45XR to its charter fleet. Both aircraft are newly delivered 2005 models, and Delta AirElite is one of the first U.S. charter operators to offer customers the new Challenger as a travel option.
"Both the Learjet 45 and Challenger 300 have been very popular with our customers," said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive officer of Delta AirElite Business Jets. "These new additions enhance the travel options for our customers and continue our strategy of offering one of the most modern and diverse business jet fleets in the industry."
The Challenger 300 is the newest and most technically advanced super-midsize jet in production. With seating for up to nine passengers, the aircraft has been designed to maximize passenger comfort and provide a productive work environment. In addition, it offers luxurious amenities normally only found on much larger aircraft. The Challenger 300 offers a range of 3,500 statute miles at speeds up to 540 mph, making it a popular selection for transcontinental trips as well as short hops.
In the super-light jet category, the Learjet 45XR offers one of the most comfortable cabins in its class. The aircraft can seat up to eight passengers and offers a range of 2,200 statute miles at a speeds up to 534 mph.
Delta AirElite's newest additions are based in Stockton, Calif. (Challenger 300) and College Station, Texas (Learjet 45XR).
With access to more than 400 business jets positioned throughout the United States, Delta AirElite is strategically increasing its fleet size through charter management agreements. The agreements allow Delta AirElite to increase aircraft availability without large capital commitments and offer on-demand charter service on a broad base of high-quality, well-maintained corporate jets. Charter membership agreements are also an attractive option for corporations and aircraft owners who want to lower aircraft ownership costs and generate revenue by having their corporate jets certified for Delta AirElite's commercial charter operations. The additional aircraft also support member travel for Delta AirElite's Fleet Membership program.
Delta AirElite Business Jets is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines providing aircraft charter, aircraft management and its innovative Fleet Membership and Flexjet Membership programs. With more than 21 years of serving business aviation travelers, Delta AirElite is the only business jet operator owned by a major U.S. airline. The company operates a diverse fleet of Bombardier Challenger, Learjet, Gulfstream, Hawker and Cessna aircraft. For more information, please call 877-DAE-JETS (877-323-5387) or visit www.AirElite.com.
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