Global 8000 Earns FAA Type Certification In the Wake Of Canadian Approval

Bombardier’s Global 8000 has received type certification from US aviation regulators, opening a key market for what the manufacturer claims to be the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde. The approval follows Transport Canada type certification granted on November 5, with the aircraft entering service in December. Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency remains pending.

“This accomplishment is a direct result of the commitment to excellence and dedicated work of our highly skilled employees, suppliers, Transport Canada and the FAA for a collaborative, effective process,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s SVP of Engineering and Product Development. “Attaining the Global 8000 certification from the FAA sets new performance standards in the industry and marks one of the final chapters in our very successful development program for this groundbreaking business jet.”

The Global 8000 sits comfortably at the top end of the business aviation performance envelope, carrying a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.95 and a published range of 8,000 nautical miles. That combination places it ahead of competing ultra-long-range business jets in outright speed without compromising transcontinental and intercontinental nonstop capabilities. It targets long-haul routes that previously required either a fuel stop or a tradeoff between speed and distance.

Cabin environment was another area Bombardier emphasized during development. At a cruise altitude of up to 41,000 feet, the Global 8000 can maintain a 2,691-foot cabin altitude. The reduced pressure differential hopes to reduce the intense fatigue and physiological stress associated with long hops, which has become an increasingly crucial part of the high-end business aviation market.

Despite its size and range, the aircraft is designed to remain operationally flexible. Bombardier says the Global 8000’s takeoff and landing performance is comparable to that of much smaller jets due to the wing’s leading-edge slats. This design allows access to a wide range of airports, including shorter or more restrictive runways.

The FAA’s nod of approval is one of the final steps in a multi-year development program.  With the US and Canada out of the way, attention will shift toward EASA approval and early operational feedback as the jet begins regular service.

FMI: www.bombardier.com