Bombardier's two latest additions to the Global family, the Global 5500 and Global 6500 business jets, have received EASA certification, validating them to operate in the European Union. This certification comes on the heels of Transport Canada certification and entry-into-service on September 30.

“This milestone is another accomplishment for our latest Global aircraft, which continue to exceed expectations on every level,” says senior VP of programme management and engineering Michel Ouellette. “Obtaining type certification from EASA marks one of the final chapters in our very successful development programme, and this achievement is a direct result of the commitment to excellence of the highly-skilled employees who worked on the programme and our solid collaboration with our suppliers.”

The aircraft went through a rigorous flight testing programme, which was completed at Bombardier's test centre in Wichita, Kansas. The Pearl 15 engine, the latest addition to Rolls-Royce's business aviation engine portfolio, was developed at the Rolls-Royce Centre of Excellence for business aviation engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, and was custom-designed with innovative technology, including enhanced aerodynamics, blade cooling and advanced engine health monitoring systems, to power the Global 5500 and Global 6500. With the purpose-built engines, advanced wing design and built-in systems redundancy and robustness for which Bombardier Global aircraft are renowned, the aircraft offer superior safety and a smooth ride.

Equipped with the revolutionary Bombardier Vision Flight Deck, the jets offer a comprehensive avionics suite with ergonomics and aesthetics that provide pilots with comfort and control.

The latest additions build on the success of the Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft by offering 500 and 600 nm of additional range, coupled with an up to 13 per cent fuel burn advantage, contributing to favourable operating costs. The Global 5500 aircraft can connect Sao Paolo and Paris, and Moscow and Los Angeles, while the Global 6500 aircraft can connect Hong Kong or Singapore and London, and Toluca and Madrid.