Bombardier Global 8,000 ‘On Schedule’ for 2025 Takeoff

Bombardier announced Tuesday that the first production-intent Global 8000 is in final assembly at its Aircraft Assembly Center near Toronto and “progressing on schedule” for entry into service in 2025. The ultra long-range jet has an expected best-in-class range of 8,000 nm and top speed of Mach 0.94 (627 knots), which according to the firm would make it the fastest civilian aircraft since the supersonic Concorde.

During a 2021 SAF-powered test flight, Bombardier’s fifth Global 7500 flight test vehicle—FTV5, callsign “The Masterpiece”—became the first business jet to break the sound barrier. Last month, it released the first footage of that feat, captured by a NASA F-18 chase plane and achieved during a powered descent. The Global 8000, though, is expected to cruise just below the speed of sound, rather than above it like Boom Supersonic’s Overture.

More recently, Bombardier said that a Global 8000 test vehicle flew missions to Europe from its flight test center in Wichita, Kansas, putting the aircraft through real-world paces and drawing what it described as “rave reviews” from pilots. The company said major components from its facilities have been delivered to plan. But it still needs to certify the model with the FAA.

“This impressive aircraft will be the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business aircraft ever built, and its rare combination of innovation, performance, and comfort will allow our customers to reach new heights in their business aviation experience,” said Stephen McCollough, senior vice president of engineering and product development at Bombardier, in comments accompanying Tuesday’s announcement.

Bombardier unveiled the Global 8000 concept at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in 2022. The 19-passenger aircraft is designed to cut down travel times between distant city pairs, such as Dubai and Houston or Singapore and Los Angeles. NetJets, the world’s largest private jet operator, plans to operate a fleet of 24 Global 8000s and in 2022 placed a firm order for four jets valued north of $300 million.

Like the Global 7500, the aircraft is powered by two specially designed General Electric Passport engines, each producing 18,920 pounds of thrust. With its anticipated top speed of Mach 0.94, it would surpass current speed leaders like the Cessna Citation X+ (Mach 0.935) and Gulfstream G650 (Mach 0.925). When flying in ultra-high-speed cruise mode at Mach 0.92, its range falls to 4,200 nm. Typical cruise speed will be about Mach 0.85.

The 8000 also includes the 7500’s Bombardier Vision flight deck—comprising fly-by-wire technology, side stick controls, and four avionics displays—and Smooth Flex Wing. The firm says the proprietary wing is “engineered like two wings in one: a high-lift wing for exceptional low speed agility and a high-speed wing for unrivalled speed and range.”

According to Bombardier, the design reduces the aircraft’s takeoff and landing distance and opens operations to airports too small for most business jets to access.

The 8000’s cabin is fitted with ergonomic Nuage passenger seats—designed to add neck and back support—and advanced lighting, entertainment, and air filtration systems. Its cabin altitude of 2,900 feet while flying at 41,000 feet is projected to be the lowest in its class.

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