The Ryanair Group has expanded its AOG support fleet with the addition of a third brand-new Bombardier Challenger 3500, further strengthening its rapid Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response capability across Europe and North Africa.
The aircraft, registered M-ASBA (msn 21061), was delivered directly from Bombardier’s Montreal facility to Dublin on 16 May, arriving at 18:42 local time. Less than an hour later, it departed for its new base at London Stansted, taking off at 19:31.
M-ASBA joins two sister aircraft in the Ryanair Challenger 3500 fleet: M-ABSU (msn 21052) and M-ABTE (msn 21056). The aircraft are operated by subsidiary Aviation Finance & Leasing (Malta) and play a critical logistical role in Ryanair’s operations, providing swift transport of essential AOG components to minimize aircraft downtime and avoid EU261 passenger compensation costs.
The Challenger 3500 has proven an optimal fit for Ryanair’s high-demand environment. With a dispatch reliability rate of 99.8%, the aircraft combines operational efficiency with capability. Its class-leading wide cabin allows for the transport of large spare parts and equipment.
Ryanair’s Challenger 3500 fleet is strategically stationed at its two largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hubs — London Stansted and Milan Bergamo, ensuring rapid deployment to any of the airline’s 618 aircraft operating throughout its extensive European and North African network.
Image Credit: Bombardier Aerospace
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