Bombardier bets on Global business jets with new long-range variants

Montreal-based aerospace giant is expanding its Global Business Jet family with the addition of two new aircraft options.

Reportedly, the two new jets will be manufactured at the company's existing Canadian production lines and Bombardier anticipates its new Global 5500 and Global 6500 will enter service at the end of 2019.

These two aircraft build on the successes of their predecessors, the Global 5000 and Global 6000, adding significant range increases and a 13 per cent fuel burn advantage, lowering the operating costs. The Global 5500 has a range of up to 5,700 nautical miles while the Global 6500 offers a range of 6,600 nautical miles, both topping speeds of Mach 0.90.

Bombardier boasts that these new jets include a large cabin and smooth ride. The interior is both spacious and designed for comfort, and include Bombardier’s patented Nuage seating—ideal for long-haul flights. The wings have been optimized for performance and the jets are powered by an all-new Rolls-Royce Pearl engine.

The company adds that when operating out of hot-weather and high-altitude conditions, the aircraft deliver a range increase of 1,300 nautical miles. What it more, the design enables the jets to maneuver and access airports unreachable by competitors.

“Bombardier’s two newest Global aircraft are the result of our unrelenting commitment to innovation, excellence and most of all, our desire to deliver unmatched capabilities to our customers,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This next generation of performance stems from the winning DNA of our Global family of aircraft, now further enhanced through a newly optimized wing, a fully reimagined cabin and new, purpose-built engines.”

After a challenging last couple of years, the announcement of two new Global aircraft fits with the beleaguered aerospace company’s five-year turn-around plan. And with development nearing completion and entry-into-service fast approaching, Bombardier aims for renewed success.