Flexjet First and Only Fractional Jet Provider to Earn Industry's Highest Safety Ranking From Air Charter Safety Foundation

- Private jet company gains accreditation with prestigious Industry Audit Standard

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Oct 19, 2010, 07:04 ET

DALLAS, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- (www.flexjet.com) -- After 15 years of providing award-winning private aviation solutions, Flexjet has the distinction of being the first and only fractional jet ownership company to meet the highest standards of safety in the industry. Through the rigorous independent auditing process by the Air Charter Safety Foundation, Flexjet has earned the prestigious Industry Audit Standard (IAS) registration—further showing its continual dedication to striving for excellence.

"Safety is our highest priority at Flexjet, and with stringent training standards and bi-annual pilot training, we surpass even the toughest FAA requirements," said Fred Reid, President, Flexjet. "We are extremely honored to be the first and only fractional jet ownership company to be recognized for our achievements by the Air Charter Safety Foundation and will continue to find ways to provide a flawless experience for our customers."

The Air Charter Safety Foundation's IAS requirements go beyond what is required to secure the already demanding ARG/US Platinum rating. The IAS is recognized as the industry's most thorough review of a company's compliance with safety and security regulations, as well as its development and implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS). To have a validated SMS in place ensures Flexjet's engagement at all levels of the organization, and confirms top management's commitment and adherence to safety. The Air Charter Safety Foundation's extensive inspection is also the only audit that specifically evaluates compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations for both Part 135 and Part 91, Subpart K, fractional jet ownership programs.

In addition, the IAS also assesses crew training, manuals, dispatch and other processes for safety and legality. Unlike other programs, operators cannot choose or hire their IAS auditors and will never have the same auditors for back-to-back audits.

"We're proud to have Flexjet as the first and only fractional jet provider on our registry," said Air Charter Safety Foundation Chairman Jim Christiansen. "Flexjet has continued to show its commitment to safety throughout the years, and our esteemed accreditation recognizes its unwavering dedication and outstanding achievements."

The recognition from Air Charter Safety Foundation is not the first time Flexjet has been honored with safety achievements. Year after year, Flexjet achieved ARG/US' Platinum rating and is the only fractional jet ownership provider to have earned 11 consecutive FAA Diamond Awards for maintenance-training excellence.

About Flexjet

Richardson, TX-based Flexjet—a division of Bombardier, the world's largest business aviation manufacturer—first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995. Flexjet now offers whole aircraft ownership and management, fractional jet ownership, jet cards and charter brokerage services. Flexjet is the first fractional aircraft program manager in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation's Industry Audit Standard. Flexjet's fractional program fields an exclusive family of Bombardier business aircraft—the youngest in the fractional jet industry with an average age of 3.5 years—including the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 business jets. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit www.flexjet.com.

Flexjet has an approved fractional ownership program pursuant 14 C.F.R. Part 91, Subpart K, and manages flights for individual aircraft owners under Part 91 whole aircraft management program. All other flights (e.g. Flexjet 25 card program, charter card program, supplemental lift, etc.) are provided by certificated air carriers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as Flexjet is not an air carrier.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2010, were $19.4 billion U.S., and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Flexjet acts as an agent for the customer in arranging charter travel on aircraft operated under Part 135 by U.S. air carriers. All jet card flights are operated under Part 135 by U.S. air carriers.

Flexjet, Flexjet 25, Bombardier, Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300, and Challenger 605 are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE Flexjet