Vista Takes Delivery of First Global 8000 Upgrade

Bombardier has delivered the first of 18 Global 8000 upgraded aircraft to longtime customer Vista. Converted from the Global 7500, the Global 8000 was handed over to Vista at Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Center. Plans call for Bombardier to update Vista’s full fleet of Global 7500s by year’s end to the speedier and longer-range Global 8000s. Bombardier anticipates that it will complete the upgrades at a rate of two per month, ultimately giving Vista the largest such fleet.

The updates will boost range from the Global 7500’s 7,700 nm to the G8000’s 8,000 nm and give it a top speed of Mach 0.95. Completion of the first upgrade follows EASA certification of the Global 8000 in January, along with Transport Canada and FAA nods in December. 

“For our members, greater speed and extended range translate directly into practical benefits such as reaching their destination faster or traveling more efficiently with direct flights,” said Vista founder and chairman Thomas Flohr. “With more members flying further and more frequently, these capabilities allow us to offer greater flexibility while maintaining the consistency and service that sets Vista apart.”

Along with the conversion program, Vista recently took steps to further build on its Bombardier fleet with a firm order announced in February for 40 Challenger 3500s. That contract also included purchase options for an additional 120.