Bombardier said its Global 8000 business jet has received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing the aircraft for operations in the United States and marking a key regulatory milestone shortly after the jet entered service in December. The Canadian manufacturer said the aircraft had already received type certification from Transport Canada on Nov. 5, while approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency remains pending.
The Global 8000 is designed with a top speed of Mach 0.95—about 729 miles per hour—making it the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde, according to the company. Bombardier said the aircraft also has a range of 8,000 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights on a broader set of long-distance routes than other four-zone business jets.
“This accomplishment is a direct result of the commitment to excellence and dedicated work of our highly skilled employees, suppliers, Transport Canada and the FAA for a collaborative, effective process,” said Stephen McCullough, senior vice president of engineering and product development, Bombardier. He added that FAA certification “marks one of the final chapters in our development program for this business jet.”
Bombardier said the Global 8000 is now certified by both Canadian and US regulators in line with the timeline previously communicated to customers and investors. The company added that the certification process involved close coordination between Transport Canada and the FAA to validate compliance with airworthiness and safety standards.
Beyond speed and range, Bombardier highlighted cabin pressurization and airport performance as key technical features. The company said the aircraft maintains a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet while cruising at 41,000 feet, which helps reduce the physiological effects associated with high-altitude flight. Bombardier also said the jet’s wing design and leading-edge slats allow access to a wider range of airports than competing aircraft in its category, while delivering takeoff and landing performance comparable to smaller jets.
The Global 8000 builds on Bombardier’s Global family of long-range business aircraft and is intended for corporate, government and private operators seeking nonstop intercontinental capability. The company said the aircraft’s entry into service in December followed the completion of final testing and regulatory reviews.