The Bombardier Global Express is a large-cabin, 6,000 nmi / 11,100 km range business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. Announced in October 1991, it first flew on 13 October 1996 and received its type certification on 31 July 1998.
Powered by two BMW-Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, the aircraft shares its fuselage cross section with the Canadair Challenger and Regional Jets, but features a new wing and tail. Over time, the platform evolved into the Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 5500, Global 6500, and the larger Global 7500/8000.
Development History of the Bombardier Global Express
Bombardier Aerospace began studies in 1991 and officially announced the Global Express on 28 October 1991 at the NBAA convention. A full-scale cabin mockup was exhibited in September 1992.
First flight: 13 October 1996
Type certification: 31 July 1998
Service entry: 1999
The aircraft is assembled at Downsview Airport in Toronto and then flown for final completion to Montreal, Savannah (Georgia), or Cahokia (Illinois).
Major suppliers include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the wing and centre fuselage, Short Brothers in Belfast for engine nacelles and stabilisers, and de Havilland Canada for the rear fuselage and vertical tail.
Design and Cabin Features
The Bombardier Global Express cabin is the second largest in business aviation after the Gulfstream G650.
Key design highlights include a supercritical airfoil with 35° wing sweep, winglets for efficiency, Honeywell Primus 2000 XP EFIS flightdeck, and 10.3-psi cabin pressurization maintaining a 4,500 ft cabin altitude at FL450.
It accommodates 12 to 16 passengers in three cabin zones with a forward galley, crew rest, and crew lavatory. The flexible wing design helps reduce turbulence impact. Maximum altitude is 51,000 ft.
Operating Performance and Range
The Global Express range allows nonstop intercontinental travel such as New York to Tokyo.
Typical performance includes cruise speeds between Mach 0.85 and Mach 0.89, a first-hour fuel burn of 5,000 lb, landing runway requirement of approximately 2,600 ft, A checks every 750 hours, and C checks every 30 months.
Most missions are 3.5 to 4.5 hours, but the aircraft can fly up to 13 hours in favorable conditions.
Bombardier Global Express Variants
Global 5000
Announced in 2001 with a range between 4,800 and 5,400 nmi and a slightly shorter cabin than the Global 6000. Used market prices range from $10 to $36 million depending on avionics.
Global Express XRS
Announced in 2003 with improved performance and cabin refinements.
Global 6000
Production began in 2012 with Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics, improved acoustics, and better lighting. Its market value was around $40 million by 2018.
Global 5500 and Global 6500
Unveiled in 2018 with Rolls-Royce Pearl engines offering 13% lower fuel burn, an additional 500 to 600 nmi range, Mach 0.90 top speed, and list prices of $46M and $56M.
Military and Special Mission Variants
The Global Express platform is widely used for military and surveillance roles including the GlobalEye AEW&C for UAE, Raytheon Sentinel R1 for the RAF, and E-11A BACN for the US Air Force.
Operators Around the World
The aircraft is widely used by NetJets, VistaJet, Qatar Executive, Flexjet, and major corporations such as CitiGroup, McDonald’s, and Texas Instruments.
By 2018, over 750 Global aircraft were in service with more than 1.5 million flight hours.
Why the Bombardier Global Express Competes with Gulfstream and Falcon
In this class, the Global Express competes with the Gulfstream G550/G650, Dassault Falcon 8X, Airbus Corporate Jet, and Boeing Business Jet. Its advantage lies in cabin size, speed, long range, and smooth ride in turbulence.
Specifications Overview
Range: 6,000 nmi
Engines: BMW-Rolls-Royce BR710
Max altitude: 51,000 ft
Cruise: Mach 0.85+
Capacity: 12–16 passengers
Cabin zones: 3
Conclusion
The Bombardier Global Express is one of the most important ultra-long-range business jets ever built. With its large cabin, high cruise speed, intercontinental range, and multiple upgraded variants, it remains a strong competitor to Gulfstream and Dassault in the luxury private jet market.
From corporate executives to military surveillance missions, the Global Express platform has proven its versatility and reliability for more than two decades.