Bombardier previewed its new cabin aboard the Global 5000 at this year’s Farnborough airshow, after gaining full type certification by the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA). EASA granted type approval to JAR Part 25, up to Change 14.

“The Global 5000 will raise the standard of excellence and set new expectations for super large jets in virtually every category including speed, range and, perhaps most significantly, in the cabin itself,” declared Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

The Global 5000 cabin features the Airshow 21 integrated cabin electronics system from Rockwell Collins. Passengers and crew, says the manufacturer, will control virtually all aspects of the cabin environment including the latest in realtime business connectivity, information, entertainment and cabin management.

Another feature unique to the aircraft, says Bombardier, is an integrated cabin system diagnostic tool to manage the various environmental systems in the cabin, galley and lavatories including temperature, lighting, water and waste systems.

This is designed to allow the flight crew to facilitate simple and rapid maintenance and troubleshooting without disrupting passengers.

The aircraft also features new seats with contoured back rests and armrests that are available, as an option, with ‘NASA-inspired Visco Elastic material cushions’.

The Global 5000’s cabin features a total usable volume of 1,882 cubic feet, from the start of the forward lavatory to the end of the pressurised compartment.

“We have listened to our customers and to operators of competing jets very closely. Their input, suggestions and constant feedback through surveys and focus groups have directed Bombardier down a path where we and our suppliers have literally pioneered a new model of sophistication for corporate jets,” Edwards added.

The Global 5000 recently flew nonstop from San Francisco to London. In addition to a three-person crew, the test aircraft featured the equivalent of an eight-passenger, 1,600-pound payload, with a maximum takeoff weight of 87,700 pounds. It climbed directly to 41,000 feet and flew a total of 4,816nm while cruising mostly at Mach 0.85.

Bombardier says the only time it slowed down occurred upon entry into European airspace in order to comply with non-RVSM flight procedures. RVSM approval for the aircraft is on schedule for later this year, prior to entry into service.

“We did not cut any corners with this flight,” said Peter Boyd, senior captain, Bombardier Aerospace Business Aircraft, and pilot in command on the flight.

“We purposely selected a challenging route and made absolutely certain that our aircraft weight equalled a typically-equipped customer aircraft.”