Bombardier says its Challenger 350 aircraft is close to steep-approach certification for landings under strict conditions.

This includes the steep 5.5-degree approach angle and short runway of London City Airport. The aircraft has completed its flight testing campaign for steep-approach certification and several takeoffs and landings at the airport. Final certification is expected this year.

Bombardier says the Challenger 350 is the only super mid-size aircraft that can fly full range at full fuel with full seat capacity. Last year it was the top-selling business jet, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, overtaking the Embraer Phenom 300, which held the category’s top spot for the previous five years. Bombardier delivered 56 Challenger 350s to Embraer’s 54 Phenom 300s.

Existing Challenger 350 customers will be able to install the steep approach capability as a retrofit option in Bombardier’s service centres, the company says.

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