Bombardier To Provide Six Multi-Role Aircraft To Support The Royal Canadian Air Force

Canada's Multi-role Flight Service with Bombardier's Global 6500 Aircraft. Final livery on the aircraft may be different.

• Government of Canada selects made-in-Canada jets to enhance its multi-mission air transport capability including aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security operations
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• Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft are assembled in the Greater Toronto Area, and completed in Greater Montreal. This aircraft leverages Canada’s world-class aerospace supply chain
• Decision to purchase Bombardier aircraft underscores Canada’s strategic and sovereign capabilities in aerospace and defence

Bombardier is proud to announce the Government of Canada has purchased six Global 6500 aircraft to perform worldwide utility flights and support missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security operations. Representatives from Bombardier and the federal government celebrated this agreement today at Bombardier’s Global Aircraft Assembly Centre in the Greater Toronto Area, where the Global 6500 aircraft is assembled. Interior completion work on these aircraft will be performed in Greater Montreal.

This order is valued for Bombardier at approximately $400 million U.S., based on the current list price for the Global 6500 aircraft and the cost of military modifications.

The Royal Canadian Air Force, which has operated Bombardier Challenger aircraft since 1983, will benefit from the increased range and capability of the Global 6500 aircraft. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected by summer 2027.

“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions, making it the go-to solution for governments around the world,” said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. “Today, the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”

Friday’s event was attended by the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. “The award of this contract to purchase the Global 6500 under the Defence Investment Agency is a turning point in how Canada equips its military,” Minister Fuhr said. “By streamlining processes and cutting red tape, the Defence Investment Agency is accelerating the delivery of the versatile capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs. Canada has a world-class aerospace industry, and this investment will harness that strength to create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and bolster our security.”

Also in attendance were the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, as well as provincial officials and representatives from the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Bombardier Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft, as well as the Global 8000* aircraft, which recently entered service as the world’s fastest business jet, are manufactured at Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Global Aircraft Assembly Centre. This facility, inaugurated in 2024, represents an investment of over $670 million CAD from Bombardier, employs more than 2,000 highly skilled workers, and is a jewel of advanced, high-precision aircraft manufacturing.

Bombardier is proud to draw upon Canada’s world class aerospace supply chain. The Global 6500 aircraft benefits from the contribution of more than 60 Canadian suppliers. A PwC report commissioned by Bombardier calculated that the total economic footprint (direct, indirect, and induced impacts) supported in Canada from Bombardier’s Global 6500 manufacturing activities in 2022 was $518.3 million in GDP, 3,747 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and $309.1 million in labour income.

Bombardier has published an Environment Product Declaration for the Global 6500 aircraft, which is a detailed communication of the environmental performance and footprint of the aircraft from a full life-cycle perspective.** Thousands of parts of the aircraft have been analyzed for their environmental impact, offering transparency and benchmarks from which improvements can be made.

Bombardier business jets are recognized around the world for their performance and reliability, and are ideal for defense missions including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), border and maritime patrol, multi-role, head of state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance and more. The Global 6500 aircraft in particular is the go-to choice for governments around the world looking to modernize their airborne defense capabilities.

Bombardier is known for its flexible, collaborative approach, building long-term relationships with governments and militaries, and joining forces with the world’s most advanced mission system providers to provide proven, reliable and advanced defence solutions. 

Pegasus Takes The Next Step: First Aircraft Lands In Germany

Arrival marks the start of integration, testing and certification activities for Germany’s next-generation airborne SIGINT platform

The modified Bombardier Global 6000 for the PEGASUS airborne SIGINT mission undergoing flight trials ahead of transfer to Germany. Photo: Bombardier Defense

HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) programme: the first aircraft has successfully arrived in Germany. Following its transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, the aircraft has landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg last week, where the next major phase of the programme will now begin.

Led by national electromagnetic warfare champion HENSOLDT and employing the extensive special mission aircraft capabilities of Lufthansa Technik, the German MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) specialist, and of Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, the PEGASUS programme will provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state-of-the-art airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability. The arrival of the first aircraft marks the transition from platform design and development in the United States to the mission system integration and certification phase in Germany. 

“This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability,” said Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT. “With the arrival of the first aircraft in Hamburg, we are entering the crucial phase of system integration and qualification. Together with our partners, we are now moving from design and test into full implementation — bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life.” 

“Bombardier’s high-performing Global aircraft are the go-to choice for the most demanding government missions around the world,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “We are proud to collaborate with HENSOLDT and Lufthansa Technik to help bring this next-generation signals intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces.”

At Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, the next steps will include the integration of the SIGINT system based on HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Integral, the installation of the mission cabin, and the integration of additional military and communication systems. Moreover, the company will handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft. In parallel, preparations for entry-into-service support are already underway — including training of technical and flight personnel and the creation and provision of technical documentation — to ensure a smooth transition into operational use.

“Seeing the PEGASUS aircraft returning to Hamburg for their important next chapter is a proud moment for our teams,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This milestone marks the start of an exciting new phase in which we will bring together technology, craftsmanship, and special mission aircraft expertise to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built.”

HENSOLDT acts as general contractor and holds overall responsibility for the realisation of the PEGASUS weapon system itself as well as the ground station, training facility and data analysis capabilities. Lufthansa Technik Defense serves as prime subcontractor, procuring and modifying the aircraft and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT. Bombardier Defense provides the high-performance Global 6000 platform and supports the programme with its engineering and flight-testing expertise.

New Super-Midsize Gulfstream G300 Takes Flight

Milestone Officially Launches Flight Test Program, Demonstrates Significant Program Maturity

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the new Gulfstream G300 has made its first flight, demonstrating significant program maturity and officially launching its rigorous flight test program. Introduced on Sept. 30 in Savannah as the latest addition to Gulfstream’s visionary fleet, the G300 represents a new standard in its segment and is poised to redefine the super-midsize category.

The first G300 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport at 8:05 a.m. local time and flew for 2 hours and 25 minutes at a speed of Mach 0.75 and an altitude of 30,000 feet/9,144 meters.

“With its combination of safety, technology, performance and cabin comfort, the G300 is a game changer for the super-midsize category,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This latest investment, designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft, brings another new category leader to our next-generation fleet. With the addition of the G300, Gulfstream truly offers an aircraft for every mission. Achieving first flight at this stage in the program is a remarkable achievement.”

The G300 features the largest interior in the super-midsize segment. Natural light from 10 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows enhances the spacious cabin, which can seat up to 10 passengers and includes two living areas, a generously appointed galley and ample room for baggage. The G300 also features the lowest cabin altitude in its class at 4,800 ft/1,463 m when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, along with 100% fresh air, a standard plasma air ionization system and whisper-quiet sound levels.

The G300 boasts class-leading range at the highest speeds with the ability to fly 3,600 nautical miles/6,667 kilometers at Mach 0.80 or 3,000 nm/5,556 km at Mach 0.84. In addition, the aircraft also features impressive fuel-efficiency thanks to its combination of the clean, swept Gulfstream wing and Honeywell HTF7250G engines.

With next-generation technology, the G300 Harmony Flight Deck greatly enhances safety with six touch screens paired with Phase-of-Flight intelligence, a Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display that depicts runways and terrain in 3D imagery, and Gulfstream’s award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System.

Prior to first flight, the G300 program completed more than 2,000 ground test hours and includes two additional test aircraft already in production.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958. Today, more than 3,400 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies and services. Gulfstream’s next-generation family of aircraft, including the super-midsize Gulfstream G300, the category-leading Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the ultralarge-cabin Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, offers an aircraft for every mission. All are backed by the worldwide Gulfstream Customer Support network. Learn more at gulfstream.com.

More information about General Dynamics is available at generaldynamics.com.

Bombardier Celebrates Entry-Into-Service Of The Global 8000 Aircraft, The World’s Fastest Business Jet

• The Global 8000(1) is the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde, with an industry-leading top speed of Mach 0.95, a range of 8,000 nautical miles (NM), and the lowest cabin altitude in business aviation production of just 2,691 ft., making it the ultimate business aircraft
• Delivery of the Global 8000 aircraft took place at Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in front of hundreds of employees, government officials, suppliers, media and special guests
• First Global 8000 customer, Patrick Dovigi was on hand to accept the keys to the first Global 8000 aircraft
• A loyal Bombardier customer for over 15 years, Mr. Dovigi’s new Global 8000 will replace his current Global 7500 aircraft

Bombardier today celebrated the entry-into-service of its Global 8000 (1) business aircraft during a special event held at its state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario in the presence of employees, government officials, suppliers, media and special guests. Patrick Dovigi, buyer of the first Global 8000 aircraft, accepted the keys to his brand-new private jet, while Canadian rock star Tom Cochrane presented by Rolling Stone Canada delivered a powerful performance fitting for the debut of the world’s fastest civil aircraft since the famed Concorde.  

“Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “Every innovation and every detail of the Global 8000 reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication of our teams. This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape with its innovative design, signature smooth ride, unmatched performance and a promise fulfilled to our customers.”  

Earlier this year, the Global 8000 aircraft seamlessly achieved several significant milestones, including completing the flight-test program, becoming the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde with a top speed of Mach 0.95, adding a new, industry-leading lowest cabin altitude in production of 2,691 ft. at 41,000 ft., and receiving Transport Canada Type Certification this past November – all according to plan, meeting its commitment to stakeholders and customers. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are pending. 

“Today’s celebration is a testament to the rigour and dedication of our talented employees and suppliers who have collectively enabled our Global 8000 to set the new standard for speed, range and cabin comfort in the industry,” said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier. “This is truly an historic moment for Bombardier, our suppliers and the thousands of dedicated professionals who have brought a no-compromise attitude to this project every single day. Their commitment and dedication underscores everything we do at Bombardier – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.” 

The Global 8000 is the only true four-zone business jet to offer a range of 8,000 NM, enabling nonstop travel between more city pairs than ever before. In addition to its long-range capabilities, the aircraft remains remarkably agile, with takeoff and landing performance comparable to that of a light jet. Its advanced wing design featuring leading-edge slats enable customers to master up to 30% more airports – the equivalent of more than 2,000 destinations – than its closest rival. 

Inside, the Global 8000 aircraft sets an extremely high bar in terms of luxury and comfort. This trailblazing business jet offers exceptional comfort, featuring four true living spaces and a separate crew rest area. The discerning business jet features the longest seated length in its class along with signature cabin features such as Bombardier’s Pũr Air System, Soleil circadian lighting system and the lowest cabin altitude in production, all designed to maximize passenger comfort and prevent the effects of jet lag.