- Bombardier (TSX:BBD) has reached a major milestone in its Global 8000 program, announcing that the first production Global 8000 aircraft has successfully completed its inaugural flight
- The Global 8000 is the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde—and an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles
- With its ultra-high cruise speed of Mach 0.92, the aircraft can cover up to 4,200 nautical miles, enabling direct routes such as Dubai to Houston
- Bombardier stock (TSX:BBD.A) last traded at C$91.65
Bombardier (TSX:BBD) has reached a major milestone in its Global 8000 program, announcing that the first production Global 8000 aircraft has successfully completed its inaugural flight. The landmark event took place on May 16, launching from Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
Piloted by Sandro Novelli, with co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar, the aircraft executed a series of rigorous tests as part of its production flight test procedures. All flight controls were exercised, and the aircraft’s systems performed flawlessly, according to Bombardier.
The aircraft will now proceed to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal, where its luxurious interior will be finalized ahead of its anticipated entry into service in the second half of 2025.
The Global 8000 is said to be the “next evolution” of the acclaimed Global 7500, which has logged over 250,000 flight hours and more than 200 deliveries since its debut in 2018. Designed to redefine business aviation, the Global 8000 boasts a top speed of Mach 0.94—making it the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde—and an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles.
With its ultra-high cruise speed of Mach 0.92, the aircraft can cover up to 4,200 nautical miles, enabling direct routes such as Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, and London to Perth. Despite its size and capabilities, the Global 8000 also offers impressive runway performance, rivaling that of much smaller jets and allowing access to airports typically out of reach for aircraft in its class.
Inside, the Global 8000 sets a new benchmark for luxury and comfort. It features four true living spaces, a dedicated crew rest area, and the longest seated length in its category. The cabin is engineered for wellness, offering the industry’s lowest cabin altitude and the healthiest environment for passengers.
“Having this first production aircraft take to the skies is another important step in this journey that will redefine the business aviation landscape,” Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s senior vice president, engineering and product development, said in a news release. “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 prioritize convenience and flexibility.”
“This is a very special accomplishment for our Global8000 aircraft, the latest highlight for this transformational business jet,” David Murray, executive vice president, manufacturing, IT and Bombardier operational excellence system, added. “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.”
Bombardier designs, builds, modifies and maintains a line of jets for individuals, businesses, governments and militaries around the world. Its customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft supported by 10 service facilities across six countries. The company operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Bombardier stock (TSX:BBD.A) last traded at C$91.65 and has risen 1.24 per cent since this time last year.
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