After years of development, the first production model of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range business jet completes successful maiden flight as the company races to compete with recently certified Gulfstream G800
Bombardier’s first production Global 8000 ultra-long-range business jet successfully completed its maiden flight on May 16 from Toronto Pearson International Airport, keeping the aircraft on track for service entry later this year amid intensifying competition with rival Gulfstream.
“The aircraft executed a series of tests, part of the production flight-test procedures during the flight. All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected,” Bombardier says.
The successful test flight represents a critical milestone as Bombardier works to maintain its timeline against competitor Gulfstream, which achieved certification of its 8,200 nautical mile-range G800 in April. The Global 8000 offers an 8,000 nautical mile (14,800 kilometer) range, allowing it to connect major business hubs without refueling.
Stephen McCullough, Bombardier senior vice-president of engineering and product development, highlighted the achievement’s significance: “This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 programme and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey.”
The Global 8000 shares substantial DNA with its predecessor, the Global 7500, which received regulatory certification in 2018. While Bombardier initially revealed plans for both aircraft in 2010, meaningful development of the longer-range Global 8000 didn’t begin until 2022.
The manufacturer’s approach to the Global 8000 evolved significantly during development. Instead of creating an entirely separate model with a shorter fuselage than the Global 7500 as originally planned, the production version maintains the same fuselage and wing, achieving its extended range through modifications to the fuel system.
When completed, the 19-passenger business jet will feature twin 18,920-pound (84 kilonewton) GE Aerospace Passport engines, enabling speeds up to Mach 0.94 at altitudes reaching 51,000 feet.
The next phase of development is already scheduled, with Bombardier confirming: “The first production aircraft will soon travel to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal where interior completions will take place ahead of its planned entry-into-service in the second half of 2025.”
The ultra-long-range business jet market has become increasingly competitive as manufacturers push the boundaries of range, speed, and luxury to attract wealthy individuals and corporations requiring global mobility.
Key Takeaways
- Bombardier’s first production Global 8000 successfully completes maiden flight from Toronto.
- The 8,000 nautical mile-range jet remains on schedule to enter service this year.
- The aircraft will compete directly with Gulfstream’s recently certified G800.
- Interior completion work will begin soon at Bombardier’s Montreal facility.
- Entry into service is planned for the second half of 2025.
