Bombardier’s Long-range Global 5500 Enters Service

Bombardier’s Wichita site has a rich history as the manufacturing center of the iconic Learjet, and over the years, Bombardier expanded the site’s operations to include completion work for the Global 5000 and Global 5500 aircraft cabins as the latest diversification for this skilled workforce. Those employees had something big to celebrate recently as the first long-range Global 5500 business jet entered into service when delivered to an undisclosed customer.

Last year, Bombardier announced that the Global 5500 aircraft can fly 200 nautical miles more than planned, saying that its new range of 5,900 nautical miles is 700 nautical miles more than the nearest competitor at the same speed. The Global 5500 offers a stunningly long list of enticing features that serve the Global brand well, with an optimized wing, Mach 0.90 speed, available “4K-enabled” cabin, and patented Nuage seats, a completely new business jet aircraft seat design.

“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 said the Global 5500′s Nuage seat is the first new seat architecture in business aviation in 30 years. A “tilt link system” is the heart of the new seat design, providing a deep ergonomically-comfortable recline, while a floating base for fluid movement brings to market a trackless footprint and permanently-centered swivel axis for effortless and intuitive positioning. A new tilting ergonomic headrest is fully-adjustable for exceptional comfort and optimal neck support in any position.

Along with the introduction of the Nuage seating, the Global 5500 is equipped with Bombardier Pũr Air, a sophisticated air purification system available exclusively on Global aircraft. The system’s advanced HEPA filter captures up to 99.99% of allergens, bacteria, and viruses, and completely replaces the cabin air with 100% fresh air in as little as one-and-a-half minutes.

In announcing the entry into service of their Global 5500 during a worldwide pandemic, Bombardier said the first delivery demonstrated flexibility and dedication in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Bombardier has 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. The successful entry-into-service of the Global 5500 business jet at this time demonstrates Bombardier’s resilience and the efforts of its talented employees,” the company said.