Bombardier has announced that the flight test program for the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft is progressing on schedule, with 70 per cent of flight testing complete.

“The response to the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft has been overwhelmingly positive since their unveiling at EBACE,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The program is proceeding to schedule and these exceptional new long-range business jets are on track to enter service in 2019.”

Bombardier Business Aircraft revealed at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in May that it was growing its successful Global family with two long-range business jets, featuring a newly optimized wing and premiering exclusive Rolls-Royce Pearl engines. The Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft have more range, larger cabins and a smoother ride than competitors.

Flight testing for these new aircraft is progressing well, with 70 per cent of flight test hours completed at Bombardier’s world-class test centre in Wichita, Kansas, where both the Airbus A220 and the recently certified Global 7500 aircraft underwent flight testing.

Bombardier’s experienced flight test team reports that the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft are performing exceptionally well throughout the rigorous flight testing program.

“The flight test team feels privileged to execute another program for such superior aircraft,” said Tom Bisges, Vice President, Bombardier Flight Test Centre and Flight Operations.

“The Global 5500 and 6500 aircraft flight test program is proceeding smoothly, and we find that our extensive experience testing the Global 7500 aircraft, as well as the quality of these newest aircraft, allow us to continue to execute on schedule.”