From Boom to Virgin Galactic, aviation companies all over the gaff have been tirelessly working towards bringing back supersonic passenger flights ever since the Concorde retired two decades ago. But soon enough, the need for speed could be satisfied by the newly-unveiled Bombardier Global 8000.
Hailed as both the worldโs fastest and longest-range business jet, the Canadian manufacturerโs โflagship for a new eraโ has a top speed of Mach 0.94 (1,160 km/h) and the first-ever transcontinental ultra-high-speed cruise of Mach 0.92 (1,136 km/h); in addition to being capable of travelling 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometres) before it needs to refuel. The Global 8000 has room for up to 19 passengers.
โToday, Bombardier solidifies once more its position as the leader in business aviation with the newest member of the industry-leading Global family,โ Bombardier President & CEO รric Martel announced during a press event at Genevaโs 2022 EBACE business-aviation conference.
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โThe Global 8000 leverages the outstanding attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a flagship aircraft of a new era,โ Martel adds in reference to the Global 7500 test vehicle which broke the sound barrier, achieving speeds exceeding Mach 1.015 (1,253 km/h) during a NASA F/A-18 chase plane accompanied demonstration in May 2021.
โWe remain unmatched, which โ for an innovation-focused team like us โ is great.โ
รric Martel confirmed Bombardier Global 7500 owners will be able to retrofit their aircraft, allowing it to achieve the same speed and range as the forthcoming flagship.
Equipped with Bombardierโs Pลฉr Air and advanced HEPA filter technology, the Bombardier Global 8000 business jet will also feature the healthiest cabin in the industry. Weโre talking quality O2 like never before, the fastest fresh air replacement, and as an added bonus, the lowest cabin altitude in its class of 2,900 feet flying at 41,000 feet.
โThe Global 8000 aircraft is the only true four-zone cabin business jet to have a range of 8,000 nautical miles โ and it more than delivers even when it comes to comfort,โ reads the Bombardier press statement.
โWith its spacious four personalized suites ergonomically designed to maximize space and freedom of movement, the Global 8000 aircraft also incorporates the revolutionary features introduced on the Global 7500 aircraft that dramatically improve passenger comfort.โ
โIncluding the Soleil circadian lighting system to help combat jet lag, coupled with the innovative Nuage seat with the first-ever zero gravity position โ passengers will arrive at their destinations revitalized and refreshed.โ
โAn exemplary commitment to detail is assured, including an available Principal Suite with a full-size bed and a stand-up shower in the ensuite. Revolutionary cabin entertainment control and connectivity, the intuitive nice Touch CMS and OLED touch dial, Bombardierโs lโOpรฉra directional audio sound system and available 4K monitor, also ensure passengers will receive an unrivalled cabin experience.โ
The Bombardier Global 8000 business jet is expected to enter service in 2025, at which the Global 7500 will be phased out (hence the option to retrofit the latter). According to Robb Report, the Bombardier Global 8000 has a base price of US$78 million / AU$110 million.
Keep an eye out for the Concordeโs successor.