From 7500 to 8000 to Mach 1 using SAF…

On 23 May 2022 at EBACE 2022 in Geneva, Bombardier announced the longest ever range business jet with the launched of the Global 8000. Yes, it looks great, will probably sell very well – even at US$78m apiece base price – and will eclipse Gulfstream’s G700 in the ultra-long range battle – at least for now.

However, perhaps the more significant aspect of this announcement was an accompanying video showing a 28 May 2021 test flight for the new variant that not only used Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) but actually passed Mach 1, the speed of sound and invariably described as supersonic flight.

Accompanied by a NASA F/A-18 chase plane, the faster than sound speed segment only lasted a few seconds – but it does represent a technological breakthrough for the Canadian manufacturer and for business aviation in general.

Whilst the Global 8000 is officially scheduled to be certified and enter into service in 2025 using a maximum operating speed (MMO) of MO.94, the fact that the aircraft is technically capable of Mach 1 speed whilst using SAF is truly remarkable.

This combination of supersonic speed capability, ultra-long range comfort and efforts to decarbonize will grab the business aircraft headlines – and turn buyer’s heads.

Should existing Global 7500 owners (and other aircraft owners) not wish to splash the cash on a new 8000, they can also retrofit and upgrade their existing 7500 aircraft, reportedly for a modest US$3m.