The Bombardier Global 8000 has completed its certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the fastest civilian jet to receive FAA approval since the famous Concorde almost half a century ago. Bombardier’s new ultra-long-range business jet boasts a top speed of Mach 0.95 (729 mph) and officially entered service earlier this month following certification by Transport Canada in early November.
It now awaits regulatory approval by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with the aircraft’s GE Passport 20 engine recently receiving EASA type certification. The Global 8000 is now the flagship aircraft in Bombardier’s impressive business jet portfolio, with existing Global 7500 customers able to upgrade their jets to the 8000.
Bombardier Global 8000 Now Certified By FAA
Bombardier confirmed on Friday that it has received FAA certification for its Global 8000 business jet, which it heralds as “the fastest and most luxurious” in the skies today. Capable of reaching up to Mach 0.95, the Global 8000 also offers a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet, the lowest altitude of any business jet, which can help reduce factors like fatigue, stress and jet lag.
It is also the longest-range business jet in its class, with a reach of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), opening up most of the world’s major city pairings for customers. The FAA’s approval comes approximately six weeks after the Global 8000 secured certification with Transport Canada, which approved type certification for the jet on November 5. The company adds that certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is ongoing, with all indications suggesting European approval is imminent.
Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Product Development at Bombardier, commented,
“Attaining the Global 8000 certification from the FAA sets new performance standards in the industry and marks one of the final chapters in our very successful development program for this groundbreaking business jet.”
The World’s Fastest Civilian Jet
The newest member of Bombardier’s Global Series will take the crown as the fastest civilian jet in service today, eclipsing the Gulfstream G700 and its top speed of Mach 0.935. As Bombardier states, this also makes the Global 8000 the fastest civilian plane since Concorde, although the supersonic airliner is far quicker than the Global 8000 with its top cruising speed of Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph).
It has been almost half a decade since the Concorde entered service, and it remains the only commercial faster-than-speed aircraft to fly. This could change in the near future with US-based company Boom Technology in the process of developing a supersonic airliner called the Boom Overture.
But the Global 8000 was designed for a completely different market, targeting the long-haul, large-cabin business jet sector. The aircraft’s exceptional performance capabilities will enable it to operate at airports with shorter runways, opening up more landing possibilities compared to its competition. With a takeoff performance more akin to a light jet, Bombardier states that the Global 8000 is capable of accessing up to 30% more airports than its competitors.
5 Interesting Upgrades That Will Be Made On The Bombardier Global 8000
The new features and upgrades of the Bombardier Global 8000.
US Deliveries Can Now Commence
With the Global 8000 completing its final hurdle before entering service in the United States, Bombardier can begin deliveries to customers in the country. The first Global 8000 was delivered on December 8 to Canadian entrepreneur Patrick Dovigi, a long-time Bombardier customer who is replacing his Global 7500.
The first production aircraft completed its maiden flight in May out of Bombardier’s Aircraft Assembly Centre in Ontario, Canada. The maiden flight was operated by pilots Sandro Novelli and Charlie Honey, alongside flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar.
The Global 8000 will typically seat 19 passengers, although customers have choices to customize their order, with the jet comprised of four zones. It aims to build on the success achieved by its predecessor, the Global 7500 — since entering service in 2018, this jet has smashed over 100 city-to-city speed records, with Bombardier delivering over 200 aircraft to customers.
