Global Express Successor set for 2010

Nov 5, 2009
Fred George This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When Gulfstream announced the 7,000 nm range, .85 Mach cruise G650 in March 2008, it surely got the attention of product planners at Bombardier Business Aircraft in Montreal, according to company insiders. The G650 gives Gulfstream an aircraft with a larger cabin diameter than Bombardier's top-line Global Express XRS, along with higher cruise speeds, shorter runway requirements, better fuel efficiency, higher typical operating altitudes and a lower cabin altitude.

Bombardier, as a result, is firming up plans to launch development of a successor to the 6,274 nm range Global Express XRS in mid 2010 that would be able to compete head-on with Gulfstream G650, according to sources close to the program. Bombardier's sales force understandably is tight lipped about the program and potential customers are required to sign iron-clad non-disclosure agreements before receiving confidential briefings. Nonetheless, details are starting to emerge.

READ MORE: AviationWeek.com