First Global 8000 Goes to Patrick Dovigi, Marking the Jet’s Official Entry into Service

Bombardier has earned a round of applause from the business aviation community, celebrating the formal entry into service of what it calls the “fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.” Keys to the first Global 8000 were turned over to loyal customer and GFL Environmental CEO Patrick Dovigi on December 8.

“Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier,” said Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel. “This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape with its innovative design, signature smooth ride, unmatched performance and a promise fulfilled to our customers.”

The Global 8000 comes with a headline-grabbing Mach 0.95 top speed, a certified 8,000-nautical-mile range, and a cabin altitude of just 2,691 feet at cruise. Performance numbers also include takeoff and landing data comparable to some light jets, thanks in part to a wing fitted with leading-edge slats. Bombardier claims the Global 8000 can access roughly 30 percent more airports than its nearest competitor.

Those numbers had already been demonstrated during this year’s flight-test campaign, which wrapped up on schedule and earned Transport Canada type certification in November. FAA and EASA approvals are still pending, but the aircraft has entered service exactly when promised.

Bombardier marked the milestone with a sizeable crowd of employees, suppliers, government officials, media, and one Canadian rock star apparently recruited for dramatic effect. The customer, Patrick Dovigi, has been a Bombardier-er for more than 15 years, most recently owning a Global 7500 that he is moving out to make space for the G8000.

“Today’s celebration is a testament to the rigour and dedication of our talented employees and suppliers who have collectively enabled our Global 8000 to set the new standard for speed, range and cabin comfort in the industry,” added Stephen McCullough, SVP of Engineering and Product Development. “This is truly [a] historic moment for Bombardier, our suppliers and the thousands of dedicated professionals who have brought a no-compromise attitude to this project every single day.”

FMI: www.bombardier.com