Global 7500 Now FAA-Certified

Bombardier has achieved FAA approval of its Global 7500 jet, the company announced on Wednesday. The long-range business jet, the biggest in Bombardier's business-jet fleet, can fly up to 7,700 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights from New York to Hong Kong, or Singapore to San Francisco. The flight deck is equipped with fly-by-wire technology, flight envelope protections, synthetic and enhanced vision systems and a layout intended to maximize ergonomic comfort for the crew. It flies at speeds up to Mach 0.925. First deliveries are expected by the end of the year.

The jet's roomy interior is the biggest of any purpose-built business jet (excluding revamped airliners), equipped with a full galley that can serve up to 19 passengers, a full lay-flat crew-rest area, extra-large windows, ergonomic passenger seats, a lounge area and a private bedroom suite. The jet was certified by Transport Canada last month. AVweb'seditorial director, Paul Bertorelli, took a tour of the cabin at last year's NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, in Las Vegas. (The jet was known as the 7000 before it was renamed the 7500, to reflect its confirmed range of 7,700 NM.) Clickherefor the video tour.