Global 8000 Sets Speed Record on Way to Farnborough

Bombardier underlined the billing of the Global 8000 business jet as the world’s fastest civil aircraft by setting a city-pair speed record on the way to its appearance at the Farnborough Airshow. Leaving Los Angeles on the roughly 4,700-nm journey, the Global touched down in Hampshire 8 hours 46 minutes later.

Less-than-favorable winds prevailed during the flight, but a top speed of Mach 0.93 was achieved, just short of the Global’s maximum of Mach 0.95, the company said. The new city-pair record was 2.2% faster than the previous figure.

Boasting an 8,000-nm range, the Global 8000 is also one of the most comfortable business aircraft, with the lowest equivalent cabin altitude—just 2,691 feet—of any type. It also has exceptional landing performance, allowing it to operate from 30% more airports than its competitors.

However, it is its speed that is the most eye-catching of its attributes. “Speed is without a doubt the Global 8000’s calling card,” said Stephen McCullough, executive vice president, engineering, product development, and Bombardier Defense, “and this latest accomplishment aptly underscores what sets this aircraft apart—the ability to bring the world closer and closer than ever before.”