Bombardier’s first production Global 8000 aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in mid May, from the company’s assembly centre in Mississauga, Ontario. During the flight the jet executed a series of tests that form part of the production flight test procedures, and it landed under the expert command of pilot Sandro Novelli, assisted by co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar. All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected.

This marks the latest milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 programme. The Global 8000 flight test vehicle has exceeded expectations in flight testing, and the first production aircraft will soon travel to the company’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal where interior completions will take place ahead of its planned entry into service in the second half of 2025.

“This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 programme and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey,” says Stephen McCullough, senior vice president, engineering and product development. “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 prioritise convenience and flexibility.”

“This is a very special accomplishment for our Global 8000 aircraft, the latest highlight for this transformational business jet,” adds David Murray, executive vice president, manufacturing, IT and Bombardier operational excellence system. “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.”

The new Global 8000 business jet is the evolution of the Global 7500 aircraft, which has amassed more than 250,000 flying hours and more than 200 deliveries since entering into service in 2018. As Bombardier’s flagship of a new era, the Global 8000 sets new standards for performance and ride quality, with the top speed of any civil aircraft since Concorde at Mach 0.94, the longest range for a four-zone business jet at 8,000nm and the industry’s smoothest ride. The Global 8000 is the ultimate time machine, unlocking more routes than ever before, including Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, London to Perth and many others, as well as introducing a first ever ultra high cruise speed of Mach 0.92. At this average cruise speed, the Global 8000 can have a range of up to 4,200 nautical miles.

Bombardier’s nimble Global 8000 also possesses impressive runway performance comparable to that of a light jet. Its unique design and advanced engineering provide customers with the ability to access smaller airports than other aircraft in its category.