The Global 5500 business jet, the gateway into the large-cabin Global family, has entered service with an undisclosed customer. The cabin was completed at Bombardier’s site in Wichita, Kansas.
Bombardier said all its employees had demonstrated “flexibility and dedication” in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and hailed the efforts of its employees in achieving the entry-into-service at this time. The OEM noted it had taken “extraordinary steps” to protect its employees and customers against the virus, and as manufacturing activities resume around the world, the company has strict protocols for continued safety and operational excellence.
“This spacious and efficient aircraft is the ultimate business tool, with the range and access to safely take our customers where they need to be,” said David Coleal, president, Bombardier Aviation. “The first Global 5500 aircraft delivery is of particular significance for our employees in Wichita, who recently took on the meticulous work of interior completions for the Global 5000 and Global 5500 aircraft.”
Bombardier’s Wichita site has a rich history as the manufacturing centre of the iconic Learjet. Over the years, Bombardier expanded the site’s operations to include a service centre, flight test centre and specialised aircraft operations. Completion work for the Global 5000 and Global 5500 cabins is the latest diversification for this skilled workforce.
The Global 5500 cabin features Bombardier’s patented Nuage seat, which is based on a completely new architecture. The 4K-enabled cabin offers inflight connectivity, and a CMS delivering ultra-HD IFE. The aircraft is also equipped with Bombardier Pũr Air, an air purification system available exclusively on Global aircraft. The company says the system’s HEPA filter captures up to 99.99% of allergens, bacteria and viruses, and can completely replace the cabin air with 100% fresh air in one-and-a-half minutes.
In 2019, Bombardier announced that the Global 5500 can fly 200 nautical miles (370km) more than planned; its new range is 5,900 nautical miles (10,928km).
