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Bombardier announced on Nov. 29 that NetJets, the world’s largest private jet company, is to be the fleet launch customer for the OEM’s new Global 8000 aircraft. NetJets has placed a firm order for four Global 8000 jets, valued at US$312 million, which will join its existing fleet of over 850 aircraft.
The company has also committed to converting eight existing orders for Bombardier products. Moreover, NetJets plans to work with Bombardier to upgrade its Global 7500 aircraft already on order and in service to the Global 8000. All of this will translate to a total, eventual fleet of 24 Global 8000 aircraft. However, Bombardier said NetJets could choose to further grow its fleet in the future through “a series of options that could be exercised progressively over the coming years.”
Bombardier introduced the Global 8000 in May 2022 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. Essentially, the Global 8000 is a performance-enhanced Global 7500. It features an 8,000-nautical-mile range, a top speed of Mach 0.94, and capacity for up to 19 passengers and two to four crew.
The aircraft features a true four-zone cabin, or can be configured in Bombardier’s new Executive cabin layout. Announced during this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition in October, the Executive cabin features a first-of-its-kind open office concept and three-workspace interior — each 12 feet in length.
“The new Global 8000 will help us to continue offering our owners . . . the pinnacle in unforgettably personalized experiences aboard the finest ultra-long-range aircraft available,” said Patrick Gallagher, NetJets’ president of sales, marketing, and service.
“With inventory sold out through 2023 in the U.S., we are continuing to invest in further expansion for prospective owners in North America and across the globe. In fact, by the end of 2023, we are proud to share that our worldwide fleet will be approximately 30 percent larger than it was in the beginning of 2022.”
Identified as the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet, the Global 8000 will be capable of transporting NetJets owners on “exclusive” routes, such as Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, or London to Perth.
Additionally, the aircraft has an impressive 2,900-foot cabin pressure altitude at 41,000 ft. Other features include Bombardier’s Pũr Air and HEPA filter technology, the “zero gravity” Nuage seats, and the OEM’s Vision flight deck.
Priced at $78 million, the Global 8000 has a slightly higher list price than its $75-million predecessor. Eventually, the Global 7500 will be phased out, as existing customers will be able to retrofit their 7500s to the 8000’s specs.
According to Bombardier, initial Global 8000 deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.
