The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the Bombardier Global 8000 for commercial operations. Capable of reaching Mach 0.95, the aircraft has become the fastest civil jet certified in Europe since the Concorde.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted commercial operations approval for Bombardier’s next-generation ultra-long-range business jet, the Global 8000. With this decision, the Global 8000 has earned the title of the fastest civil jet approved in Europe since the Concorde. Following the EASA approval, Bombardier will be able to begin deliveries to its customers in Europe.
This significant milestone follows the aircraft’s certification for operations by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) more than a month ago. The Global 8000 had also officially entered service earlier this month after receiving certification from Transport Canada in early November 2025.
Bombardier’s New Flagship
With a maximum speed of Mach 0.95 (approximately 729 mph), the Global 8000 now stands as the flagship of Bombardier’s business jet portfolio. Existing Global 7500 operators also have the option to upgrade their aircraft to the Global 8000 configuration.
With certification processes completed in Europe and North America (Canada and the United States), the Global 8000 stands out as the fastest civil jet to enter service since the Concorde era. However, it is worth noting that the supersonic passenger aircraft Concorde was far faster than the Global 8000, with a maximum cruising speed of Mach 2.04.
Speed, Range and Cabin Comfort Combined
With a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), the Global 8000 aims to reinforce Bombardier’s leadership in the ultra-long-range business jet segment. While cruising at 41,000 feet, the aircraft offers a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet, the lowest among business jets currently in production.
Stephen McCullough, Vice President of Defence, Product Development and Engineering at Bombardier, made the following assessment regarding the development:
“This achievement further strengthens the momentum for this groundbreaking business jet. Following its entry into service in 2025, we look forward to more of our customers experiencing the new levels of comfort, health and productivity that the Global 8000 offers.”
Top-Level Luxury and Technology
The Global 8000 has been designed to meet the expectations of premium passengers. The aircraft features four distinct living areas. Equipped with the largest galley in its class, the jet includes a dual convection/microwave oven, sink, tap and refrigerated storage. It also offers a lavatory with a window, vanity unit and sink.
The cabin includes a full-size bed with a customisable headboard, dedicated wardrobes, a large entertainment cabinet, a full-size television and Bombardier’s l’Opéra sound system. The aircraft can accommodate up to 19 passengers.
In the cockpit, the Bombardier Vision flight deck features four large avionics displays, advanced fly-by-wire technology and side-stick controllers.
Why Does It Stand Out from Its Rivals?
Although the Global 8000 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.95, Bombardier states that its typical cruise speed is Mach 0.85, high-speed cruise Mach 0.90 and ultra-high-speed cruise Mach 0.92. The 8,000-nautical-mile range figure is based on theoretical performance conditions and may vary depending on operational factors.
While competitors such as the Gulfstream G700 and Dassault Falcon 10X prioritise range and fuel efficiency, the Global 8000 is positioned in a different performance class by being designed to operate at speeds close to Mach 1. This approach makes the aircraft one of the rare business jets capable of offering both high speed and intercontinental range on the same platform.
