Bombardier Aerospace is conducting a “full review” of its new Global 7000 and 8000 programs, dropping hints that the schedule for both ultra-long-range jets might shift to the right. The first Global 7000 hasn't yet been rolled out, dimming chances that the jet could be certified in 2016 as originally planned.
(Photo: Bombardier Aerospace)
Bombardier Aerospace is conducting a “full review” of its new Global 7000 and 8000 programs, dropping hints that the schedule for both ultra-long-range jets might be delayed. The airframer's new management team has been dealing with significant cost overruns and other demands associated with developing its new CSeries airliners.
“Following the arrival of new leadership in our organization—namely Alain Bellemare as president and CEO of Bombardier, Inc. and David Coleal as president of Bombardier Business Aircraft—we are conducting a full review of all aspects of the program, including its schedule,” the company said in a statement provided to AIN. “We will continue to hold to our current commitments and once the full review is complete, we will provide any possible updates to the program.”
While the Global 7000 and 8000 are still officially scheduled to enter service in 2016 and 2017, respectively, business aviation analyst Rolland Vincent told AIN that he expects both aircraft programs to be delayed by 18 to 24 months.
“Bombardier hasn’t even flown the Global 7000 yet, and there are a lot of risks with the programs: new [GE Passport] engines and new thin high-speed wings, as well as fly-by-wire,” he said. “There are a lot of unknowns here, so this won’t be a quick and easy flight-test campaign.”
A Bombardier spokesman said the first flight-test vehicle is “in final assembly with major structural parts joined, including the rear, center and forward fuselages and the wing, as well as the main landing gear.”
(Mark Huber and Chad Trautvetter - AIN Business Aviation News)
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