Northern Jet's SpeedBird announces Part 135 approval for 10 passengers, upgrades its Challenger 605 fleet

Just several months after announcing its completed merger with Northern Jet, its subsidiary SpeedBird announced on Tuesday that the FAA has granted it a Part 135 charter operator status, allowing it to fly aircraft carrying 10 or more passengers. The companies focus on charter jet operations, particularly in Florida and Michigan. The certification comes as Northern Jet deepens its relationship with Bombardier, completely refitting its entire fleet of Challenger 605 business jets with new custom interiors. Standard configuration for a Challenger 605 normally includes enough space and seating for two crew members and nine passengers, according to manufacturer specifications. However, there are many of the aircraft on the market with configurations supporting up to 12 passengers. Northern Jet and SpeedBird worked with the Orlando Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) throughout the certification process, according to a statement announcing the certification and the interior upgrades. Northern Jet and SpeedBird CEO Chris Bull called the news "a significant milestone in our commitment to upholding the highest industry standards." "Our relationship with Bombardier, the Challenger 605 manufacturer, adds an extra layer of distinction to our operations," he said in the statement. "Moreover, the complete refit of our Challenger fleet underscores our dedication to providing clients with an unmatched level of sophistication and comfort." RELATED STORY: Charter operators Northern Jet Management, Speedbird officially merge as Northern JetAfter first announcing in April that the two companies would combine, the merger was completed in August. Upon making that announcement, the companies said that an undisclosed number of aircraft in their combined fleet would receive interior upgrades. The combined company announced in April that they will have 209 employees, which includes 98 pilots and a fleet of 37 aircraft. In addition to locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Orlando, Florida, additional offices are located in Milwaukee and Chicago. Terms of the merger were not disclosed, but the companies said in April that the deal would combine the companies' annual revenue to around $110 million.