Bombardier Inc. reached a significant milestone in its Global 8000 program last week when the first production unit of what the company calls the world’s fastest business jet successfully completed its maiden flight.

The aircraft took off from Bombardier’s Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, on May 16, marking a crucial step toward the Global 8000’s planned entry into service in the second half of 2025. The flight was piloted by Sandro Novelli, with co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar completing the crew.

During the inaugural flight, the aircraft underwent a series of production flight test procedures, with all flight controls exercised and systems performing as expected, according to the company.

The Global 8000 represents Bombardier’s latest flagship aircraft, designed to claim the title of fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde. With a top speed of Mach 0.94 and a range of 8,000 nautical miles, the jet is positioned to serve ultra-long-haul routes including Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, and London to Perth.

“This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 program and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey. Having this first production aircraft take to the skies is another important step in this journey that will redefine the business aviation landscape. 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.”   

Stephen M^cCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier

“This is a very special accomplishment for our Global 8000 aircraft, the latest highlight for this transformational business jet. 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.”

David Murray, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System

The aircraft will now travel to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal for interior completion work ahead of its market debut.

Built on the foundation of the successful Global 7500 aircraft, which has accumulated over 250,000 flying hours and 200-plus deliveries since 2018, the Global 8000 introduces several performance enhancements. The jet features an ultra-high cruise speed of Mach 0.92, allowing it to cover up to 4,200 nautical miles at this speed, significantly reducing travel times on long-haul routes.

Despite its size and performance capabilities, the Global 8000 maintains runway performance comparable to light jets, enabling access to smaller airports that other aircraft in its category cannot reach.

The Global 8000’s cabin features four distinct living spaces plus a separate crew rest area, with what Bombardier claims is the longest seated length in its class. The aircraft also boasts an ultra-low cabin altitude of 2,900 feet, designed to reduce passenger fatigue and enhance comfort during long flights.

The successful first flight comes as the business aviation sector continues to see strong demand for ultra-long-range aircraft capable of connecting distant global destinations non-stop. With the Global 8000, Bombardier aims to capture a significant share of this premium market segment when deliveries begin later this year.

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Bombardier to Showcase its Top Performing Global 7500 and Challenger 3500 Business Jets at the Catarina Aviation Show in Brazil

Bombardier Inc. will showcase two of its flagship business jets at the upcoming Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo, Brazil, as the company continues to strengthen its presence in the Latin American market.

The Montreal-based aerospace manufacturer announced it will display its Global 7500 ultra-long-range aircraft and Challenger 3500 medium-range jet at the three-day event running June 5-7. Bombardier’s sales team will also be present to meet with regional customers.

The Global 7500, which has accumulated over 250,000 flying hours across more than 200 aircraft in service, offers a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles and top speed of Mach 0.925. The aircraft is designed to handle challenging runway conditions and can access airfields that competitors cannot reach, making it suitable for Brazil’s diverse aviation infrastructure.

From São Paulo, the Global 7500 can reach key international destinations including Dubai, London, Tel Aviv, New York, and Geneva on direct flights. The Challenger 3500, meanwhile, can fly non-stop from São Paulo to San Juan and Panama City, as well as reach most European destinations with a single stop.

“The record-setting and record-breaking Global 7500 and industry-leading Challenger 3500 are proven performers and being onsite at the Catarina Aviation Show provides Bombardier with an outstanding opportunity to highlight the performance and design attributes of these incredible aircraft. The Brazilian market is very important for Bombardier, and our product offering is perfectly suited to respond to the needs of our customers.”

Michael Anckner, Vice President, Worldwide Pre-owned, Fleet, Defense & Latin America at Bombardier

Both aircraft boast a 99.8% dispatch reliability rate, according to the company. The Global 7500 features four distinct living spaces and is positioned as an “office or home in the sky,” while the Challenger 3500 emphasises operational efficiency and cabin comfort.

The showcase comes as Bombardier prepares to launch its next-generation Global 8000 aircraft, which completed its first production flight on May 16. The Global 8000, set to enter service later this year, will offer an extended range of 8,000 nautical miles and achieve speeds of Mach 0.94, making it the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.

Bombardier’s commitment to the Brazilian market extends beyond aircraft sales to comprehensive service support. The company maintains an Authorized Service Facility through MAGA Aviation at Catarina Airport in São Paulo, providing line maintenance, parts, and tooling for all Global, Challenger, and Learjet aircraft.

Additionally, Bombardier operates a 300,000 square foot full-service facility at Miami Opa-Locka Service Centre and maintains a global network of approximately 100 service locations worldwide.

The Catarina Aviation Show represents a key opportunity for Bombardier to demonstrate its aircraft capabilities to Brazilian customers, who value the performance characteristics necessary for the country’s hot, high, and short airfield conditions. Show visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Global 7500 aircraft and experience its cabin design firsthand.

Brazil’s business aviation market has shown steady growth in recent years, driven by the country’s vast geography and the need for efficient point-to-point transportation across diverse terrain and climate conditions.

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Photo credits: Bombardier Inc.