Bombardier Inks First Order for Global 7000

Zurich-based Comlux The Aviation Group last week became the first announced customer for the Bombardier 7000, an ultra-long-range business jet, which the Canadian aircraft manufacturer announced along with the Global 8000 at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention in Atlanta in October. The companies sealed the deal for the two Global 7000s at the Middle East Business Aviation Convention (MEBA) in Dubai on December 8. Comlux president Richard Gaona said, "The reason we picked [the Global 7000] is because it will absolutely fit our fleet perfectly." Comlux currently operates a dozen Bombardier business jets. Bombardier expects to certify the $65 million Global 7000 in 2016; Comlux will receive its first aircraft that year and its second in 2017. With a range of 7,300 nm, the Global 7000 will be able to carry 10 passengers from New York to Dubai, Washington to Beijing and London to Singapore. It will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 and a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85. The aircraft will feature a four-zone cabin with windows that are 80 percent larger than those in the Global XRS.