Madhya Pradesh's Bombardier Challenger 3500 Nears Delivery as Two Pilots Complete US Training
Why It MattersThe purchase signals growing interest among Indian state governments in dedicated VVIP business jets rather than relying solely on hired charter aircraft.
Two pilots sent by the Madhya Pradesh state government, one government pilot named Vishvas Rai and a hired pilot, are undergoing training in the United States to fly the state's newly acquired Bombardier Challenger 3500, with training set to conclude on September 20. Once finished, the pair are expected to fly the aircraft back to Madhya Pradesh.
The midsize jet was purchased from Bombardier for over ₹230 crore, with the manufacturer given 20 months to deliver it under the purchase agreement. The acquisition follows damage to the state's previous aircraft during a landing at Gwalior Airport in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, after which Madhya Pradesh had been hiring aircraft for VVIP travel.
Once delivered, the jet will be based at the state hangar in Bhopal and used mainly for VVIP travel, including trips by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. After its arrival, the state aviation department will seek operating permission from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation. State aviation department sources said no other Indian state currently operates a jet of this type.
