This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier.

Bombardier Global 8000 Secures EASA Certification, Completing Regulatory Trifecta

Bombardier has officially announced that its flagship aircraft, the Global 8000, received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on January 23, 2026. This approval marks the final major regulatory milestone for the ultra-long-range jet, clearing it for operation across all key western markets following earlier approvals in North America.

Marketed by the manufacturer as the “world’s fastest business jet,” the Global 8000 is designed to connect extensive city pairs such as London to Perth or Singapore to Los Angeles non-stop. According to the company’s announcement, this certification cements the aircraft’s entry into service, which officially began in December 2025.

Regulatory Timeline and Entry into Service

The EASA certification completes a rapid sequence of regulatory approvals for the Canadian manufacturer. Data provided by Bombardier and aviation authorities confirms the following certification timeline:

• Transport Canada: November 5, 2025
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): December 19, 2025
• EASA (Europe): January 23, 2026

Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Bombardier, highlighted the significance of the European approval in a statement regarding the program’s development.

“Attaining EASA certification illustrates the hard work and dedication of Bombardier’s highly skilled employees and suppliers… This accomplishment further strengthens the momentum behind this groundbreaking business jet.”

, Stephen McCullough, Executive VP of Engineering, Bombardier

Performance Specifications

The Global 8000 is positioned at the pinnacle of the business aviation market, primarily defined by its speed and range capabilities. The aircraft boasts a top speed of Mach 0.95 (approximately 729 mph) and a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Bombardier notes that the aircraft’s performance credentials were validated during flight testing in May 2021. During these tests, a Global 8000 test vehicle (FTV-5) broke the sound barrier, achieving a speed of Mach 1.015 in a shallow dive while utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This achievement allows the manufacturer to claim the title of the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.

Cabin Technology and Passenger Experience

Beyond raw performance, the press release emphasizes the aircraft’s focus on passenger wellness during ultra-long-haul flights. Key features cited by the manufacturer include:

• Cabin Altitude: The Global 8000 maintains a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet when cruising at 41,000 feet, which Bombardier claims is the lowest in the industry.
• Ride Quality: The “Smooth Flĕx Wing” design is engineered to dampen turbulence, acting as a shock absorber in flight.
• Air Quality: The Pũr Air system features a hospital-grade HEPA filter capable of replacing 100% of the cabin air with fresh air in approximately 90 seconds.

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The Race for the Ultra-Long-Range Market

With the Global 8000 now fully certified in North America and Europe, the battle for dominance in the ultra-long-range segment intensifies. The Global 8000’s primary competitor is the Gulfstream G800. While both aircraft offer an identical range of 8,000 nautical miles, Bombardier has aggressively positioned the Global 8000 around the metric of speed.

The Global 8000’s top speed of Mach 0.95 edges out the Gulfstream G800’s Mach 0.925. While the practical time savings on a typical 12-hour flight may be marginal (estimated at 20 to 30 minutes), the marketing value of the “World’s Fastest” title is substantial in the elite tier of private-jets. Furthermore, Bombardier’s focus on cabin altitude, offering a slightly lower pressure altitude than competitors, suggests a strategy focused on “wellness and productivity” to appeal to executives flying 14-hour missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Global 8000 enter service?

The aircraft officially entered service in December 2025, shortly after receiving its FAA certification.

What is the maximum range of the Global 8000?

The aircraft has a range of 8,000 nautical miles, allowing for non-stop flights between city pairs like Dubai to Houston.

Is the Global 8000 supersonic?

While the aircraft broke the sound barrier (Mach 1.015) during testing, its certified maximum operating speed is Mach 0.95, making it high-subsonic rather than supersonic for standard operations.

Sources

• Bombardier