WICHITA—Bombardier has announced the entry-into-service of its long-range, large-cabin Global 5500, with a recent delivery to a customer that it did not identify.

The aircraft is registered to ExecuJet Europe, a Swiss-based private charter group, according to Aviation Week Network data. 

In June, Bombardier also registered a Global 6500 on the Cayman Island registry to an undisclosed customer, and it registered a Challenger 650 and a Global 6500 to NetJets, according to Aviation Week data. The latter is the first of its kind for the fractional ownership company. Bombardier also delivered two Challenger 650 aircraft to the Department of National Defence for operation by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the month. And it delivered a Global 7500 ultra-long-range jet to Comexport, a Brazilian trading company. The jet will be sold on to BTG Pactual, a Brazilian finance company. 

The Global 5500 received its type certificate from Transport Canada and the FAA in 2019. The first delivery is a milestone for the company, which announced the Global 5500 and Global 6500 in 2018.

“This spacious and efficient aircraft is the ultimate business tool, with the range and access to safely take our customers where they need to be,” said David Coleal, Bombardier Aviation president. “The first Global 5500 aircraft delivery is of particular significance to our employees in Wichita, who recently took on the meticulous work of interior completions for the Global 5000 and Global 5500 aircraft.” 

Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Center also performed the flight testing on the aircraft. The successful entry-into-service of the Global 5500 demonstrations Bombardier’s resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said. The company has assumed strict protocols to protect employees and customers against the virus and has resumed manufacturing activities around the world, it said.

Bombardier’s Global 5500, which accommodates up to 16 passengers, is the company’s gateway into its Global family of large-cabin aircraft, the company said. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl engines, advanced Vision flight deck and Ka band connectivity. It can fly 5,900 nm, 200 nm more than first expected.  The aircraft has three living areas and features the company’s patented Nuage seating. It has a top speed of Mach 0.90. 

Bombardier’s Global line of aircraft are also equipped with an air purification system, which includes filters to capture 99.99% of allergens, bacteria and viruses, it said. It replaces the cabin air with 100% fresh air every 1 1/2 min.
 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional customer deliveries or registrations.