Bombardier Global Express
The Bombardier Global Express was the first aircraft in the well-known Global family of ultra-long-range aircraft and established Bombardier as a leading manufacturer in the segment to this day. In the late 1980s, the Canadians first became involved in the development of an ultra-long-range aircraft. This was preceded by the acquisition of Canadair and its Challenger series.
Long Range Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Category | Long Range Jet |
| Range* | 11038 km 5960 NM |
| Cruise speed | 924 km/h 499 kts |
| Seats** | 13 |
| Suitcases | 16 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The original Global Express was announced back in 1991 and delivered to customers from 1999. The Large Jet is designed to carry 13 passengers and has a range of around 11,000 kilometres. A total of 150 Global Express aircraft were produced, the majority of which are still in service today. Over the years, the aircraft has attracted a wide range of customers, from jet charter specialists and established companies with their own private jet fleet to celebrities and wealthy individuals.
The Global Express is based on the same Canadair platform as the CRJ regional jet and Challenger 600, but with a revised wing design and winglets for improved flight efficiency. The mighty jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. The modern Primus 2000 XP EFIS avionics system ensures efficient control of the complex technology. It offers the two pilots in the cockpit optimal support during long flights and demanding conditions.
The Global 5000 replaced the Global Express from 2004. It has a shorter fuselage and a shorter range, but still offers sufficient space for up to 13 passengers.
When the Bombardier Global Express is mentioned, it is often not a specific aircraft model that is meant, but the Global Express family. In this sense, the Global Express includes the following aircraft: Global 7500, Global 5000, Global 6000, Global Express and Global Express XRS.
Technical Specifications
Technical data (Global Express XRS variant)
Performance
Capacity
Cabin
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of a Bombardier Global Express as a rental aircraft:
Flexible cabin configuration: The Global Express can be configured for 8 to 16 passengers and is therefore suitable for both medium-sized and larger travel groups. The cabin can be divided into three areas to provide more privacy – for example during meetings. Each area can be easily converted into a sleeping configuration with comfortable beds. This flexibility is especially appreciated when travel time is to be used for work, entertainment and relaxation.
Plenty of space: The Global Express has one of the most spacious cabins in its class, giving passengers plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The extra space also allows passengers to move more freely, travel healthier and arrive at their destination with more energy. Even bulky luggage can be easily accommodated in the spacious baggage compartment.
Unparalleled cabin comfort: The Global Express has a range of luxurious amenities including comfortable seats and a fully equipped galley. Cabin amenities also include two fully enclosed restrooms, one of which is often equipped with a shower. Sophisticated cabin insulation reduces noise, and the modern engines produce less noticeable vibration in the aircraft.
High-performance private jet: In just 14 hours, the mega-jet flies nonstop from Frankfurt to the West Indies or from Munich to Seoul. The long-haul jet was specially designed to meet the needs of the most demanding travellers: Thanks to its outstanding short-haul capabilities, it is therefore also a good option for efficient travel in larger groups to nearby destinations.
Private long-haul pioneer: The Global Express was one of the first ultra-long-haul business jets on the market and remains one of the most popular options for intercontinental travel. It offers a purist travel experience against which its competitors are still measured today. This makes a trip on the Global Express a must for anyone who regularly travels long distances in a private jet.
Disadvantages of a Bombardier Global Express as a rental aircraft:
Small cabin windows: The small and also low-mounted cabin windows do not allow much natural light into the cabin. This can be a disadvantage for passengers who want to enjoy the view during the flight. For night flights, on the other hand, it doesn't matter. The manufacturer has improved this shortcoming with the updated Global 5000.
No whisper cabin: Especially compared to its successor generations, the cabin of the Global Express has less insulation against flight noise. The difference will be less noticeable when consuming media than when conversing with fellow passengers.
Hiring a Global Express / XRS for a private charter flight is one of the most luxurious and comfortable ways to travel the globe.
The Global Express was the pioneer of ultra-long-range private jets. When it was launched, no other private jet in the world offered such a large cabin and could provide nonstop flights from New York to Tokyo, Paris to Singapore, Los Angeles to Sydney and similar transoceanic long-haul routes. Today, it competes with the Gulfstream V, the Boeing 737 BBJ and Airbus' A319CJ.
The Global Express offers everything that a commercial aircraft does: Range, comfort and speed. Just without the familiar associated inconveniences. The Global Express cabin is designed to provide maximum comfort and amenities for the duration of long intercontinental flights.
In short, the Global Express offers unlimited travel possibilities. It has a very long range, which allows it to make international flights of almost 14 hours without a stopover. It reaches (almost) any destination in the world, with a maximum of one stopover. Few other private jets can match it.
The business jet is also available in an updated version called Global Express XRS (Extended Range & Speed). This version has a higher cruising speed and even greater range.
FAQ
How many Bombardier Global Express aircraft have been sold so far?
In the data published by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the sales figures for the Global Express are combined with the Global 6000 and Global 6500 models. From 2007, the Global 5000 and 5500 models are even added. A total of 982 units of the series were sold by the end of 2021.
How much does a Bombardier Global Express / XRS cost ?
A used Bombardier Global Express costs between 10 million U.S. Dollars for a 1999 model and 13 million U.S. Dollars for the latest model from the last year of production, 2006. The cost of an individual aircraft also depends on the maintenance status and the previous flight record according to the logbook. The Global Express XRS, which has a greater range than the original model, currently costs between around $12.5 million and $18 million. It was manufactured from 2006 to 2012.
How does the Bombardier Global Express XRS differ from the Dassault Falcon 7X?
Both the Bombardier Global Express XRS and the Dassault Falcon 7X belong to the absolute top class among private jets. They are suitable for both business and leisure travel and offer passengers a luxurious experience. The Global Express XRS is better suited for long-haul flights, while the Falcon 7X is the better choice for time-efficient ocean crossings. Thanks to an additional third engine, the Dassault travels faster, but comes up short in terms of range. Thanks to its higher thrust, the Dassault can also cope with a shorter runway. Compared with the Global, it therefore has more small airports at its disposal.
Who owns a Bombardier Global Express?
Since Bombardier's Global Express is a huge, high-range and expensive private jet, there are only a few privately owned examples. It is known that talk show host Oprah Winfrey, film director Steven Spielberg and bestselling author and motivational trainer Tony Robbins can call one of the luxury aircraft their own.
How far can the Bombardier Global Express fly without refuelling?
The Global Express has an NBAA IFR range of about 11,038 km (5,960 nm). Nonstop missions such as London–Los Angeles (≈8,756 km) or New York–Berlin (≈6,385 km) are feasible.
Are Bombardier Global Express jets still widely available for charter?
Yes. Even though the Global Express was first delivered in the late 1990s, many aircraft remain active on the charter market. They continue to be maintained to modern safety standards and upgraded with new interiors or avionics. For clients, this means the type is still accessible worldwide, often at competitive rates compared to its newer successors.
When was the Bombardier Global Express introduced, and how has it evolved?
The jet was announced in 1991 and first flew in 1996, with deliveries starting in 1998. It later evolved into the Global Express XRS and the Global 6000, each incorporating avionics upgrades, interior refinements, and minor performance improvements over the original design.
How does the Bombardier Global Express compare to the Global 7500?
The Global 7500 represents a generational leap over the original Global Express. It has an NBAA IFR range of 14,260 km (7,700 nm), compared with 11,038 km (5,960 nm) NBAA IFR for the Express, and reaches a higher top speed of Mach 0.925 (≈1,130 km/h) versus Mach 0.89 (≈904 km/h). The 7500 also introduces a larger four-zone flat-floor cabin for 14 passengers (standard configuration), while the Global Express seats 13 passengers.
