The first Bombardier Global 5000 has entered service. The aircraft departed Montreal on April 18 for delivery to a corporate operator in the Middle East.

According to Bombardier, the operator selected the Global 5000 for its speed, systems and cabin,

and plans to operate the aircraft for both transcontinental and intercontinental missions, primarily within Asia and Europe. A Bombardier support team will be based at the operator’s home base to ensure a smooth entry into service.

“The Bombardier Global 5000 business jet has arrived – and it will elevate intercontinental, high-speed travel to a new level,” said Duncan Koerbel, vp and general manager for the Global product. “The aircraft offers operators unprecedented flexibility and an exciting combination of performance and cabin productivity that is unique in its category.”

Launched in February 2002, the aircraft offers a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.89 and a range of 4,800 nm (at Mach 0.85). With seating for up to 19 passengers, the cabin features the first ethernet-based Air Show 21 application.

As of March 2005, Bombardier had delivered a total of nine green Global 5000s into completion.