Bombardier announced Monday that its forthcoming Global 8000 business jet will fly faster than previously planned, reaching Mach 0.95 instead of the initially projected Mach 0.94.
The revised maximum speed makes the ultra-long-range aircraft the fastest in civilian aviation and positions it as the quickest non-military plane since the retirement of the Concorde supersonic airliner.
“This accomplishment for Bombardier is reflective of the remarkable expertise of every employee that has worked on the development of this industry-leading business jet,” Γric Martel, the company’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “With our Bombardier Global 8000, our customers will now be able to reach their destinations even faster, arriving refreshed and ready to carry out their desired missions.”
The aircraft features an 8,000-nautical-mile range and a cabin configured with four separate living areas plus a dedicated crew rest space. Bombardier designed the jet to serve the ultra-long-haul business aviation market, where speed and range determine operational flexibility.
U.S.-based NetJets signed on as the launch customer with plans to add 24 Global 8000s to its fleet.
Bombardier officials said the aircraft remains on schedule for certification by year’s end, which would clear the way for customer deliveries and the jet’s entry into commercial service.
Key Takeaways
- Bombardier increased the Global 8000’s maximum speed to Mach 0.95, making it the fastest aircraft in civilian aviation.
- The business jet will be the quickest non-military plane since Concorde’s retirement.
- The aircraft features an 8,000-nautical-mile range with four living areas and dedicated crew rest space.
- NetJets serves as launch customer with plans to operate 24 Global 8000s.
- Certification remains on schedule for year-end, enabling customer deliveries and service entry.
