Bombardier Unveils the Largest Purpose-Built Business Jet in the Industry at NBAA BACE 2017

  • The Global 7000 aircraft program’s fourth flight test vehicle, dubbed “The Architect,” showcased at Bombardier’s static display
  • The Global 7000 aircraft will be the only business jet with four living spaces to feature a complete kitchen and full-sized crew suite
  • First eight customer aircraft progressing smoothly on final assembly line and interior production activities ramping up
  • Development and certification schedule on track for entry-into-service in the second half of 2018

Las Vegas, October 8, 2017 – Bombardier Business Aircraft unveiled The Architect, its fourth Global 7000 flight test vehicle (FTV4) at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas. FTV4 is the first Global 7000 aircraft to be showcased at a public event and is the first flight test vehicle equipped with a cabin interior. The aircraft will be used to validate the overall passenger experience, including the cabin management system and entertainment options, newly designed seats and amenities throughout the four living spaces, the full-sized crew rest area and gourmet galley.

FTV4 ferried to Las Vegas following its successful maiden flight on September 28, 2017, where all flight controls were exercised and all systems tested performed as expected.

“FTV4, the first aircraft to be furnished with a cabin interior, has a unique purpose in flight validation. It is confirming the unparalleled comfort and interior design that our customers can expect from this game-changing business jet,” said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global 7000 and Global 8000 Program. “The robust ground testing completed on our interior test rig and the upcoming flight validation prepare us for certification of the interiors. We have placed tremendous effort on making the Global 7000 aircraft a business jet like no other.”

Prior to first flight, FTV4 interiors were validated on the ground in a one-of-a-kind Bombardier test rig that replicates the conditions of flight related to airframe motions and flight loads using a production fuselage mounted on a pneumatic bed. This process allowed for the validation of the interior’s fit and finish well in advance of its actual installation in FTV4. Bombardier is now using this key tool for the interiors installation process of its production aircraft to ensure operational efficiency and an uncompromised experience for customers.

Production of interiors for Global 7000 aircraft destined for customers is already well under way at Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Montreal. The recently inaugurated atelier is now home to cabinet makers, woodworkers, upholsterers and specialized support personnel. These experts leverage advanced technologies for seat and cabinet manufacturing such as automated cutting, sanding and polishing. Work on the green aircraft at Bombardier’s facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has also ramped up, with eight customer aircraft currently progressing smoothly through final assembly.

“Our Global 7000 flight test vehicles continue to undergo rigorous testing at our world-class flight test centre in Wichita, Kansas,” stated François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Product Development Engineering. “Having now flown nearly 900 hours, the aircraft continue to perform extremely well and to exhibit a high level of reliability. Areas of the flight envelope and the performance of the systems, including at extreme temperatures, have been tested. The results show a maturity which is in full support of the planned certification activities.”

FTV5, known as “The Masterpiece,” is the fifth and final flight test vehicle in the Global 7000 flight validation program. Final preparations are under way for FTV5’s initial flight at Bombardier’s Toronto facility. FTV5 will be used to perform even further maturity testing to ensure a robust entry-into-service in 2018.

About the Global 7000 aircraft

Through visionary design and superior performance, the Global 7000 aircraft redefines the business aircraft experience. With four distinct living spaces, plus a dedicated crew suite, it is unique among business jets in spaciousness, comfort and highly personalized design flexibility. Its leading-edge cabin entertainment system, coupled with lightning-fast connection speeds via Ka-band, allows passengers to stream high-definition content and enjoy a reliable entertainment experience.

The advanced wing design on the Global 7000 aircraft was conceived to optimize speed, range and control, and ensure an exceptionally smooth ride. With its impressive long-range capability of 7,400 nm (13,705 km) at M 0.85, it can fly eight passengers non-stop* from London to Singapore or Dubai to New York City with a maximum operating speed of M 0.925.* A masterpiece of creative and thoughtful design, the Global 7000 aircraft’s sophisticated styling and superior performance set the benchmark for the most exceptional business jet experience.

* Under certain operating conditions.

Bombardier, Global, Global 7000 and Global 8000 are either unregistered or registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

About Bombardier

Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) and its subsidiaries (Bombardier Group), is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defense’s proven expertise.

Bombardier is headquartered in Greater Montréal, Québec, and through the Bombardier Group, operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Bombardier Group’s robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia. For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company’s plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier.