At this year’s NBAA exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bombardier celebrated receiving FAA type approval for its Global 5000 intercontinental jet, clearing the path for entry into service by January 2005. The common type rating will enable Global Express pilots to fly the Global 5000 without the need for extensive training.

The FAA approval follows JAA and Transport Canada common type ratings earlier this year, and the aircraft received full type approval from EASA on July 15th. According to Bombardier Business Aircraft president Peter Edwards, this keeps the Global 5000 programme right on track.

Commenting on the benefits of the common type rating, Edwards said: “No additional simulator training is required when making the transition to the Global 5000. Such common type rating approval gives operators much more operational flexibility in the utilisation of pilots and aircraft.”

Bombardier had a further reason to celebrate at the event, as the Global 5000 made a record-setting flight from Dublin to McCarron International Airport in nine hours and 55 minutes. The aircraft has been designed to fly eight passengers and three crew up to 4,800nm.