First Flight For Production Global 8000 Today, Bombardier announced that the first production Global 8000 has made its inaugural flight. The flight actually took place on the 16th of May with the aircraft taking off from Bombardier’s Aircraft Assembly Center in Mississauga, Ont. Pilot Sandro Novelli, assisted by co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar executed the flight.
The aircraft had all flight controls exercised and the systems and aircraft performed as expected according to Bombardier. The Global 8000 is being dubbed as the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde (self coined term by the airframer). However, the company states that the top speed of the aircraft is MACH 0.94. The cabin altitude environment is 2,900-feet and range of the aircraft is around 8,000 nautical miles.
"This first production flight marks yet another successful milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 program and we are very pleased with how the aircraft performed on its maiden journey," said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier. "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 prioritize convenience and flexibility."
If the Global 8000 looks like the Global 7500 that is because it is a slight evolution of that aircraft. This marks the latest milestone for Bombardier’s Global 8000 program. The Global 8000 flight test vehicle (FTV) has exceeded expectations in flight testing and the first production aircraft will soon travel to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montreal where interior completions will take place ahead of its planned entry-into-service (EIS) in the second half of 2025. For more information: Bombardier Aerospace 400 Côte-Vertu Road West Dorval, Quebec H45 1Y9 Canada www.bombardier.com ***
