FAA plans purchase of Bombardier Challenger jets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Program Operations has a requirement to purchase up to four used Bombardier Challenger 605 and/or 650 aircraft. The agency made the announcement in a contract solicitation document released in June.

The FAA intends to procure each aircraft on a separate contract, according to the solicitation. “Aircraft will be procured over the next two to three years depending on market conditions and funding availability,” the FAA said in the solicitation. “The government does not have a preference between Challenger 605 aircraft or Challenger 650 aircraft."

Successful first flight for Boeing's 737-10 jet

Boeing's 737-10, the largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, completed a successful first flight on Friday. The airplane took off from Renton Field in Renton, Wash., at 10:07 a.m. and landed at 12:38 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.

"The airplane performed beautifully," said 737 Chief Pilot Capt. Jennifer Henderson. "The profile we flew allowed us to test the airplane's systems, flight controls and handling qualities, all of which checked out exactly as we expected."

Friday's flight was the start of a comprehensive test program for the 737-10. Boeing will work closely with regulators to certify the airplane prior to its scheduled entry into service in 2023.

The 737-10 can carry up to 230 passengers. It also incorporates environmental improvements, cutting carbon emissions by 14 percent and reducing noise by 50 percent compared to today's Next-Generation 737s.