Bombardier 5500, 6500 gain FAA Approval, by Travel Radar Correspondent Ankur Deo

Bombardier received FAA validation for its newest Globals, the 5500 and 6500, paving the way for the aircraft to enter the U.S. market. With Transport Canada certification coming in late September, followed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s nod in October, this approval means Bombardier can now practically sell its Global 5500 and 6500 anywhere in the world. The first 6500 entered service in late September following Canadian approval. As Bombardier celebrated the FAA approval, the Montreal-based manufacturer also finalized the delivery of the first 6500 model with Hong Kong-based HK ‘Bellawings’.

Bombardier unveiled the 5500 and 6500 models of the aircraft during ‘EBACE 2018’ in Geneva, building on their Global 5000 and 6000 predecessor. The new aircraft shall be fitted with the new Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, reprofiled wings, upgraded interiors, and flight deck features, which, all in all, leads to a 5,900-nm range for the 5500 and a 6,600-nm range for the 6500 in ultimate luxury and comfort.

Image Credits: Bombardier

Michel Ouellette, Bombardier Aviation senior Vice President for Program Management and Engineering, said:

“the latest approval starts a new chapter in our Global family story. The Global 5500 and Global 6500 have a strong future and will earn the appreciation of executives, pilots, and operators around the world.”

HK Bellawings initially announced a letter of intent for a fleet of up to 18 aircraft valued at well over $1 billion. The aircraft management company later firmed up that LOI with orders for at least four 6500s and six more options. This comes as a surreal development for Bombardier, whose business for private business jets was slowing down gradually since 2015 caused by slowing economy and geopolitics in Latin America, Russia and China markets.

Unveiling of the Bombardier 6500. Image Credits: ainonline

The 5500 and 6500 can achieve a top speed of upto 0.9 Mach, a revamped cabin inspired from the Global 7500 with its nuage seats, while being upto 13% more fuel efficient than its predecessors. The engines are designed to provide 9% more thrust, thereby, promising performance along with luxury for the buyers!

Interiors of the Bombardier 6500. Image Credits: Bombardier

But you are going to need some real deep pockets to buy of of these! The 5500 is sold at a list price of $46m and the 6500 at a staggering $56m. That’s how the rich and prosperous live, fellas, that’s the way!

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