Madhya Pradesh's ₹230-Crore Challenger 3500 Jet Set to Arrive; Pilots Training in US
Two pilots from Madhya Pradesh are undergoing training in the United States to operate the state's newly purchased Challenger 3500 jet aircraft. The training, which began on August 6, is scheduled to conclude on September 20, after which the pilots will ferry the aircraft back to Bhopal. One pilot is a government employee while the other has been hired for the purpose.
The jet, procured from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier at a cost exceeding ₹230 crore, will be used for VVIP movement including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The aircraft will be stationed at the state hangar in Bhopal. The state government undertook this purchase after its previous aircraft was damaged during a landing at Gwalior airport in 2021. Currently, the government hires aircraft for such operations.
Once the jet arrives, the aviation department will seek clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation before operational use. Madhya Pradesh is the first Indian state to own such a modern aircraft model.
