Bombardier's Global 5500 Enters Service

The last and smallest of the upgraded variants of Bombardier’s legacy Global family, the $46 million Global 5500, has entered service with a recent delivery to an undisclosed customer, the Canadian airframer announced today. Unveiled alongside the upgraded Global 6500 at EBACE 2018, the Global 5500 received its type certification from Transport Canada, EASA, and FAA last year.

Featuring three living areas with Nuage seating and powered by a pair of 15,125-pound-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the 5500 has a range of 5,900 nm—200 nm more than originally planned. “This spacious and efficient aircraft is the ultimate business tool, with the range and access to safely take our customers where they need to be,” said Bombardier Aviation president David Coleal.

Coleal noted that the 5500, along with the earlier 5000 variant, breaks from tradition with interior completions done at Bombardier’s Wichita site, where the Montreal-based company assembles Learjets, operates service and flight-test centers, and performs specialized aircraft work.

With a top speed of Mach 0.90, the 5500 accommodates up to 16 passengers. It also has Bombardier’s Vision flight deck, Ka-band connectivity, and an air purification system with an advanced HEPA filter.

(Jerry Siebenmark - AINonline News)