Rizon buys four Learjet 85s

“The Learjet 85 is ideally sized for us to support our growing charter activity in the Middle East and to expand our activity into Europe,” said Rizon chief executive Will Curtis. “It has all the benefits of the excellent Learjet 45 which has been such a popular charter aircraft, only with more space.   It is certainly going to be a winner in the charter market, both in Europe and in the GCC.”

Rizon said that when the new mid-size Learjets arrive they expect to operate them in the Middle East during the winter months and in Europe during the summer.  And that this reflects the travel trends of its customers.  But Curtis added that eventually he aims to base two of the type in the UK.

Bombardier’s regional sales vp for the Middle East Khader Mattar said:  “We are very encouraged by Rizon’s confidence in the Learjet 85 aircraft, as well as our Challenger and Global products.  As their business continues to expand from the Middle East and Europe we will continue to provide the optimal aircraft to suit their clients’ travel needs.”
 
The Learjet 85 is set to carry eight passengers 3,000nm and will start to be delivered by the Canadian manufacturer in 2015.

Rizon is set to take delivery of its first Bombardier Challenger 605 in the second quarter of this year.  While it has two more on order and an order for a Bombardier Global 5000 slated for a 2011 delivery slot.

The company’s second Hawker 900XP is slated for delivery in April this year.

Will Curtis, chief executive of Rizon signs with Khader Matter, regional vice-president, sales, Europe, Middle-East and Africa, Bombardier Business Aircraft.