NetJets will become the fleet launch customer for the Bombardier Global 8000 following a new firm order for four aircraft valued at $312 million and the conversion of eight existing orders for Bombardier products.
It is expected that NetJets will eventually operate a 24-strong fleet of the Global 8000 aircraft, and will work with Bombardier to upgrade the entire in-service Global 7500 fleet to Global 8000 jets when the company begins taking delivery of its new flagship aircraft. According to NetJets, it could subsequently grow its fleet through a series of options that could be exercised progressively over the coming years.
Introduced earlier this year at European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Bombardier’s flagship features a range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94.
According to Bombardier, the Global 8000 business jet features the most generous cabin size in the industry, with the lowest cabin altitude in its class of 2,900ft when flying at 41,000ft. It is also equipped with Bombardier Pũr Air and advanced HEPA filter technology for fresh air replacement. The cabin incorporates the features introduced on the Global 7500 aircraft to improve passenger comfort. The aircraft also features the Nuage seat, believed to be the first-ever zero gravity position in a business jet.
Eric Martel, Bombardier President and CEO, said: “The new Global 8000 aircraft is the ultimate solution for NetJets’ discerning owners, offering a truly seamless private aviation experience. NetJets’ experience and expertise make them the ideal partner to unlock the full potential of this revolutionary Mach 0.94 business jet in a large fleet context. Our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, and we are proud to share this historic milestone together.”
Patrick Gallagher, NetJets’ President of Sales, Marketing, and Service, added: “The new Global 8000 will help us to continue offering our owners, specifically our international travelers, the pinnacle in unforgettably personalized experiences aboard the finest ultra-long-range aircraft available. With inventory sold out through 2023 in the U.S., we are continuing to invest in further expansion for prospective owners in North America and across the globe. In fact, by the end of 2023, we are proud to share that our worldwide fleet will be approximately 30% larger than it was in the beginning of 2022.”
