Business Aviation
Bombardier to assemble new Global models in Toronto
Bombardier Aerospace announced on 15 September that final assembly of its new Global 7000 and Global 8000 business jets would take place at the company’s plant in Toronto, Ontario.
“Our Toronto site employees have the knowledge and expertise required to assemble these two new business aircraft,” says Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Our partnership with the Canadian Auto Workers, Local 112 was key to bringing these work packages to Toronto, a site which has, throughout its history, played a role in making Canada a major player in the international aerospace industry.”
Bombardier says it is still evaluating options for the production-support work package, including functions such as technical publications and procurement in support of the manufacturing programme.
Since as far back as 1928, more than 8,000 aircraft have been produced at the Toronto site, Bombardier says. The factory currently manufactures wings for the Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 corporate jets and assembles the Global 5000 and Global 6000 business jets, as well as the Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner. Following final assembly, most current-production Global aircraft are flown to Bombardier’s Global Completion Centre in Montreal, to be fitted with customer-specified interiors and avionics, and for painting.
The Global 7000 large business jet features a four-zone cabin with a volume of 2,637 cubic feet (74.67 cubic metres), giving passengers 20 percent more living space than today’s Global 6000. The aircraft will have offer high-speed cruise capability at Mach 0.9, with a range of 7,300nm (13,520 km) at Mach 0.85. It will be able to fly routes such as Sydney-Dubai, London-Singapore or Beijing-Washington non-stop with ten passengers, and is scheduled to enter service in 2016.
The Global 8000 is designed to fly further than any other business jet, and will feature a three-zone cabin with a volume of 2,236 cubic feet and offer a range of 7,900nm at Mach 0.85. It will offer non-stop flights on routes such as Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong-New York and Mumbai-New York, carrying eight passengers. The Global 8000 will also offer high-speed cruise capability at Mach 0.9, and will enter service in 2017.
Gulfstream readies for NBAA show
Gulfstream Aerospace is revving up for the forthcoming National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) meeting and convention in Las Vegas on 10-12 October.
The company says it will showcase its full range of aircraft, including the all-new G650 and G280 models, at the event. Gulfstream’s exhibit in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Centre will focus on the manufacturer’s product-support initiatives.
For the first time in the company’s history, its static display will include one of two dedicated Airborne Product Support (APS) aircraft as well as the G650, G550, G450, G280 and G150 models. The G650 will be available for tours by reservation only.
Gulfstream’s exhibit will be a 7,200-square-foot convention centre, featuring products and services such as: PlaneBook, a portable electronic document manager (EDM) that offers pilots in-flight access to critical flight information; the company’s computerised maintenance programme CMP.net; refurbishment capabilities, including avionics design, installation and support; Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) functionality, a navigational system that enhances safety, increases flight-planning options and improves airport access; and Total Technical Training, a hands-on aircraft maintenance training programme.