Global 5000 receives Canadian certification

The Global 5000, billed by Bombardier as “the world’s fastest” intercontinental super-large business jet, received full type approval from Transport Canada late last month, clearing the way for first deliveries of green production aircraft to begin this spring.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and JAA approval are expected next month, followed by FAA certification in the fall. Global 5000s will start entering service in the fourth quarter, Bombardier said.

Launched in February 2002 following a 24-month market analysis, the Rolls-Royce BR710-powered Global 5000 is a shortened version of the Global Express with a 4,800-nm range (with eight passengers and three crew) at Mach 0.85 (488 knots)–“the fastest cruise speed in its category,” Bombardier claims. At $33.5 million (complete), the Global 5000 is priced between the new Gulfstream 450 and Falcon 900EX.

Cabin enhancements include “body-heat-activated seats that adjust to a passenger’s physique, enlarged window overlays offering up to 40 percent more natural light over previous designs and a new contoured cabin periphery that creates a greater sense of intimacy.”

In addition, the aircraft is equipped with an Ethernet-based cabin electronic system delivering virtually identical working capabilities as a ground office. It features three communication channels linked with the Inmarsat satellite network and one channel for use with the Iridium satellite constellation; a high-speed data channel transferring up to 64 kbps; both wired and wireless telephones; dual avionics-grade local-area networks with dual servers; and in-cabin printer and fax capabilities.