Bombardier Global 5500

The Bombardier Global 5500 is a derivative of the Bombardier Global Express family of aircraft. Within this family there is the Global Express, Global Express XRS, Global 5500, Global 6000, Global 6500, Global 7500, and soon the new Global 8000.

These aircraft are all based on the same platform, however, how different performance and comfort capabilities. While the number in the name does not reflect the exact nautical mile range of each aircraft, the greater the number, the better the range and the larger the aircraft.

For example, the Global 5500 has a range of 5,900 nautical miles. In comparison, the Global 6500 has a range of 6,600 nautical miles, and the Global 7500 has a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles.

The Bombardier Global 5500 was first announced in May 2018, alongside the Global 6500. Bombardier predicted that both aircraft would enter service by the end of the next year.

These aircraft would take new developments and benefits from the then flagship Bombardier aircraft, the Global 7500. Moreover, the updated Rolls-Royce pearl engines would provide better fuel efficiency than the previous iteration.

Flight testing and certification were completed by the end of 2019, with the first Global 5500 being delivered to Unicorp National Developments in mid-2020.

The Global 5500 is powered by two rear-mounted Rolls-Royce BR710 Pearl engines. Each engine is capable of outputting up to 15,125 lbf of thrust.

This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 30,250 lbf of thrust.

As a result, the Global 5500 has a maximum cruise speed of 0.88 mach, alongside a typical cruise speed of 0.85 mach, and an absolute top speed of 0.90 mach.

In optimum conditions, the Global 5500 is able to fly non-stop for up to 5,900 nautical miles. Of course, this figure is a theoretical range, taking into account NBAA IFR reservce, International Standard Atmosphere conditions, with a cruise speed of 0.85 mach, 8 passengers and 3 crew onboard.

As is to be expected, this figure will be impacted by cruise speed, weather, optional extras, along with a myriad of other factors.

The initial cruise altitude of the Global 5500 is 41,000 feet, with a maximum operating altitude of 51,000 feet. In optimum conditions, the Global 5500 boasts a respectable minimum take-off distance of 5,340 feet.

When it comes to returning home, the aircraft has a minimum landing distance of 2,207 feet.

The Global 5500 interior takes inspiration from the flagship Global 7500 aircraft. Therefore, the 5500 boasts a number of advanced interior options.

For example, the classic Bombardier Nuage seats provide revelationary seating for passengers, a feature that is especially crucial when frequently cruising for long distances.

The Nuage seat is a patented Bombardier design with a deep recline feature, unique to the seat. According to Bombardier, the Nuage seat provides “the first meaningful change in the operation and design of a business aircraft seat in 30 years”.

The floating base of the seat helps to allow for fluid movement, additionally, the tilting headrest assists with improving overall comfort.

The interior of the Global 5500 is ideal for both working and relaxing. The versatility of the cabin provides space for conferences, along with dining above the clouds.

The Conference Suite is capable of providing seating for up to 6 people. In addition to this, the aircraft has three distinct living spaces in order to maximize comfort and efficiency.

This results in plenty of space to work, eat, and rest in total luxury and privacy.

The typical configuration for the aircraft features a Private Suite at the rear of the aircraft, resulting in a space to relax in public.

Furthermore, the Private Suite is located at the quietest point of the cabin. In addition to having a space for a good night’s sleep, there is an adjoining En Suite with a large wardrobe.

The result of this is feeling more refreshed and better rested when you arrive at your destination.

A useful feature that can often be overlooked, however, results in extreme convenience is inflight access to the baggage compartment. The Global 5500 is within the group of aircraft that is able to boast this feature.

The Global 5500 features some of the latest cockpit technology in business aviation. The aim of the latest cockpit technology is not only to make the aircraft safer, but it is also to make the flight smoother and more comfortable for the passengers.

Bombardier has equipped the 5500 with the Bombardier Vision flight deck, described by Bombardier as “the industry’s leading cockpit”.

The cockpit is designed to be clean, intuitive, and efficient for pilots, all in the pursuit to minimize the workload for the pilots.

Pilots are able to make use of the head-up display equipped in the cockpit. This provides additional visibility and spatial awareness even in the most challenging of conditions.

According to Bombardier, the Global 5500 is the first aircraft in the industry to offer a true combined vision system. This, therefore, results in seamlessly merging enhanced and synthetic vision images in a single view.

This, therefore, helps to reduce crew workload, resulting in a safer and more efficient mission.

The estimated hourly cost to charter a Bombardier Global 5500 is $8,000. Of course, this figure will vary depending on the location, origin, destination, availability, and more.

However, $8,000 is an estimated value from typical availability and mission criteria from around the globe.

Moreover, there are dozens of factors that will influence the charter price of any private jet rental. Read this article here to learn about all the different factors that will influence the charter price.