Bombardier has received Colombian validation for its Challenger 300 and 350 business jets, paving the way for the super-midsize types to be operated commercially in the country.

The Canadian manufacturer says Latin America is already one of the largest markets for business aviation globally – it alone has an installed base of 1,900 executive jets – and is a key driver for the industry’s growth.

This optimism is manifested in Bombardier’s latest industry forecast in which it predicts deliveries of 850 light, midsize and large-cabin business jets by 2024. The light and medium category types are expected to account for around 75% of this tally.

The $26.5 million Challenger 350 was launched in May 2013 and entered service in June the following year. The 10-seat aircraft is an upgraded version of the Challenger 300, which holds the record as the best-selling super-midsize type, with more than 450 units delivered during its decade in service. The last aircraft was handed over in the second quarter of 2014.

Source: FlightGlobal.com