image: Bombardier
Bombardier delivered its first Global 8000 business jet to longtime Bombardier customer Patrick Dolvigi at the Missasauga, Ontario final assembly facility yesterday. The Global 8000, Bombardier’s flagship model, is now the fastest business jet at Mach 0.95, just under supersonic speed. With its entry into service, it has overtaken the Cessna Citation X and Gulfstream G700, both with top speeds of Mach 0.935.
Bombardier Celebrates Entry into Service
“Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “Every innovation and every detail of the Global 8000 reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication of our teams. This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape with its innovative design, signature smooth ride, unmatched performance and a promise fulfilled to our customers.”
“Today’s celebration is a testament to the rigor and dedication of our talented employees and suppliers who have collectively enabled our Global 8000 to set the new standard for speed, range and cabin comfort in the industry,” said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier. “This is truly an historic moment for Bombardier, our suppliers and the thousands of dedicated professionals who have brought a no-compromise attitude to this project every single day. Their commitment and dedication underscores everything we do at Bombardier – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
US and European Certification on Schedule
Earlier this year, the Global 8000 aircraft seamlessly achieved several significant milestones, including completing the flight-test program, becoming the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde with a top speed of Mach 0.95, adding a new, industry-leading lowest cabin altitude in production of 2,691 ft. at 41,000 ft., and receiving Transport Canada Type Certification this past November – all according to plan, meeting its commitment to stakeholders and customers. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are pending.
Key Features
The Global 8000 combines a full four-zone cabin and 8,000 nm range, with outstanding cabin amenities. With an advanced wing and leading-edge slats, the Global 8000 can utilize 30% more airports than its nearest competitor, opening more than 2,000 more potential destinations. The aircraft also features a P?r Air system, the Soleil circadian rhythm lighting system, and the aforementioned low cabin altitude system for passenger comfort and to minimize the effects of jet lag.
Upgrading Global 7500 models
Bombardier will be offering the performance improvements of the Global 8000 to owners of Global 7500 models, enabling the speed and range increases. The service bulletin will be available next year, and is expected to cost about $3 million, with about two weeks to complete the work. The ability to upgrade performance without acquiring a new airplane is a unique position for a business jet manufacturer, and reflects Bombardier’s commitment to service and support as well as new aircraft sales.
The Bottom Line
Bombardier’s flagship is now in service, and provides some significant advantages over the competition in speed, cabin size, and range. The battle at the top end of the market is a game of leapfrog, and Bombardier has just made a long jump. The question now is how that will translate into orders and deliveries given the competition between Gulfstream, Bombardier, and soon Dassault with high-end ultra-long range business jets. Stay tuned as the competitive battles intensify, and congratulations on another milestone for Bombardier.
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