Bombardier is adding not one but two new siblings to its business aviation family with the introduction of the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft, powered by GE Aviation’s new TechX engine technology. The airframer is saying that its comprehensive Global aircraft family transcends the boundaries of the large business jet category now that it is planning the Global 7000 (with a 7,300nm range) and a long-legged Global 8000 (with a 7,900nm range). It even has a launch customer. Jo Murray reports
The battle to rule the top end of the business aircraft category continues as Bombardier ups its ante. Two new jets, the Global 7000 and Global 8000, are joining Bombardier’s flagship Global aircraft family to accommodate the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models: the Global 5000, Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets.
Already, Canada’s London Air Services (LAS) has been named the launch customer for the Global 7000. This is not the first time LAS has been in Bombardier’s news. In July 2008, LAS became the first Canadian operator to purchase the Learjet 85 aircraft, with firm orders for five jets, and was also the first Canadian operator to take delivery of a Challenger 605 jet. In September 2007, LAS became the launch customer for Bombardier’s new Global Vision Flight Deck and, in late 2004, it was the first Canadian operator to take delivery of a Learjet 45 XR aircraft. Obviously, LAS is quite a Bombardier fan.
Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft, says that Bombardier’s market success is down to ongoing investment in product development. And the Global family has certainly been through copious product development since its launch in 1996.
So why take the decision to push the boundaries of the Global family? “The Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets will give our customers the ability to reach more destinations non-stop than ever before, delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility, and comfort,” says Ridolfi.
The Global 7000 aircraft features a spacious four-zone cabin. With a volume of 2,637ft3, the aircraft will have a high speed cruise of Mach 0.90 and a range of 7,300nm at Mach 0.85 under certain operating conditions. It will fly London-Singapore, New York-Dubai or Beijing-Washington non-stop with 10 passengers. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.
Meanwhile, the Global 8000 will feature a superior three-zone 2,236ft3 cabins and an impressive range of 7,900nm at Mach 0.85 under certain operating conditions. It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong-New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop carrying eight passengers. The Global 8000 jet will reach a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.
The Global 700 and Global 800 cabin features: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows that provide approximately 80% more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with berthable seating; a spacious galley; and an innovative approach to cabin zones.
Both aircraft will also feature the most up-to-date version of the Global Vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system to ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control.