![]()
Bombardier celebrated the entry into service of its Global 8000 business jet at a ceremony on Monday, marking the debut of the world's fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.
The first customer delivery took place at Bombardier's Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, where hundreds of employees, government officials, and suppliers were in attendance. Canadian businessman and longtime Bombardier customer, Patrick Dovigi, accepted the keys to the brand-new private jet, which will replace his Global 7500.
The Global 8000 has a top speed of Mach 0.95, which was announced earlier this year at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. The aircraft has a range of 8,000 nautical miles, and what Bombardier says is the lowest cabin altitude in business aviation production of 2,691 feet at a cruise altitude of 41,000 feet.RELATED STORY: Bombardier raises max speed for Global 8000, announces new buyer
"Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier," President and CEO Éric Martel said in a statement. "Every innovation and every detail of the Global 8000 reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our teams. This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape with its innovative design, signature smooth ride, unmatched performance, and a promise fulfilled to our customers."
Stephen McCullough, senior vice president of engineering and product development, called the event ‘an historic moment' for Bombardier and its suppliers.
"Today's celebration is a testament to the rigor and dedication of our talented employees and suppliers who have collectively enabled our Global 8000 to set the new standard for speed, range, and cabin comfort in the industry," he said.
The aircraft recently completed its flight-test program and received Transport Canada type certification in November. Certification by the U.S. FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency is pending.
Bombardier says the Global 8000 is the only four-zone business jet with an 8,000 nautical mile range and offers takeoff and landing capability compared to lighter aircraft, enabling operations at up to 30% more airports worldwide.
Cabin features include Bombardier's Pur Air System and Soleil circadian lighting system. The jet is designed to reduce jet lag and improve passenger wellness on long-haul flights.
RELATED ARTICLES:First production Global 8000 completes inaugural flightBombardier Global 8000 production jet underway