The first production Bombardier Global 8000 has successfully completed its inaugural flight. The milestone was completed on 16 May from Bombardier’s aircraft assembly centre in Mississauga (Ontario, Canada).
The aircraft executed a series of tests, part of the production flight test procedures during the flight. The jet landed under the expert command of pilot Sandro Novelli, assisted by co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar. All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected.
This marks the latest milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 programme. Bombardier said the Global 8000 flight test vehicle (FTV) has exceeded expectations in flight testing. The first production aircraft will soon travel to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin completion centre in Montreal (Québec, Canada) where interior completions will take place ahead of its planned entry-into-service (EIS) in the second half of 2025.
“This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 programme and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey,” said Stephen McCullough, SVP of engineering and product development at Bombardier. “Having this first production aircraft take to the skies is another important step in this journey that will redefine the business aviation landscape. With its low cabin altitude, luxurious and healthy cabin, signature smooth ride and unparalleled performance capabilities, the Global 8000 is the clear choice for discerning owners and operators who prioritise convenience and flexibility.”
“This is a very special accomplishment for our Global 8000 aircraft, the latest highlight for this transformational business jet,” said David Murray, EVP of manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System. “This first flight is a reflection of the dedication and high skill level of our engineering, production and flight teams to follow through and execute with precision and mastery at all stages of the manufacturing and flight-testing process.”
The Global 8000 is an evolution of the Global 7500, which has amassed more than 250,000 flying hours and 200-plus deliveries since entering service in 2018. Bombardier said its new flagship, the Global 8000, is designed to set “new standards for performance and ride quality, with the top speed of any civil aircraft since Concorde at Mach 0.94, the longest range for a four-zone business jet at 8,000 nautical miles and the industry’s smoothest ride”.
At a cruise speed of Mach 0.92, the Global 8000 can have a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles. Bombardier added that the Global 8000 will be able to “access smaller airports other aircraft in its category can’t”.
The Global 8000 will feature four living spaces and a separate crew rest area. Bombardier said it will have “the longest seated length size in its class”. The aircraft offers a cabin altitude of 2,900ft.
