Bombardier Global 8000 Gets EASA Certification as World’s Fastest Civilian Jet
Bombardier’s Global 8000, the fastest civilian jet since Concorde, has received European Union (EASA) certification, paving the way for continental operations.
Jishan Khan 
Bombardier Aviation’s Global 8000 business jet — recognised as the world’s fastest civilian aircraft in regular service since the retirement of supersonic Concorde — has received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), clearing a major regulatory threshold for operation across Europe and beyond.
The certification confirms that the Global 8000 meets all applicable European airworthiness standards, enabling operators to begin or accelerate deliveries and flight operations under the EU’s regulatory framework. EASA’s approval follows extensive review of Bombardier’s design, manufacturing processes and flight test data, and is a key milestone for the ultra‑long‑range business jet programme.
The Global 8000, a new‑generation member of Bombardier’s iconic Global series, has been in development as the flagship of the company’s business aviation portfolio. The aircraft combines very high cruise speeds — capable of reaching approximately Mach 0.95 in certain phases of flight — with intercontinental range performance, enabling nonstop connections between far‑flung city pairs that previously required stopovers on many business jets. This performance positions the Global 8000 as the fastest civilian business aircraft certified since Concorde, even though it does not operate at supersonic speeds. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The EASA certification complements earlier approvals from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and other global regulators, forming a key part of Bombardier’s multi‑jurisdictional certification strategy. With this European mark of approval, Bombardier can now pursue operator certifications in additional countries and support launch customer operations across EU member states and cooperating jurisdictions.
From a design perspective, the Global 8000 benefits from advanced aerodynamics, efficient engines and a lightweight composite wing structure that together enable exceptional speed and range without significantly increasing fuel burn. The aircraft’s operational performance — including its ability to maintain high cruise speeds at long range — appeals to ultra‑long‑distance travellers, corporate fleets, government VIP services and charter operations where time‑saving can have commercial, operational and lifestyle value.
Bombardier’s certification statement underscores the collaborative efforts between the company, its suppliers and EASA engineers. The process included rigorous flight testing across diverse environmental conditions, structural validation tests, systems performance checks and compliance audits to ensure adherence to Europe’s stringent regulatory criteria.
Industry analysts note that EASA certification will help unlock a broader market for the Global 8000, especially in Europe where demand for state‑of‑the‑art business jets with intercontinental capability remains resilient. The certification allows the aircraft to participate in European business aviation markets on equal regulatory footing with other major business aircraft types, and it enhances confidence among prospective customers and charter operators considering the aircraft for high‑speed, long‑range missions.
Beyond speed and range, the Global 8000 offers a cabin environment designed for extended comfort and productivity. Its spacious interior, advanced avionics suite and connectivity options aim to meet the expectations of ultra‑long‑range operators who emphasise both performance and passenger experience. As a result, the aircraft is positioned to compete with other flagship business jets from major OEMs, while its speed credentials give it a distinctive niche in the market.
With European certification now secured, Bombardier is expected to focus on ramping up production, completing remaining deliveries to launch customers, and supporting aftermarket services. The company’s global support network will play a central role in ensuring fleet readiness and operational reliability for operators entering service in Europe and around the world.
The Global 8000’s certification also underscores broader trends in business aviation toward high‑performance, long‑distance aircraft that can support nonstop travel between major economic centres. As international travel patterns continue evolving, the ability to operate efficiently at high cruise speeds and extended range is likely to remain a compelling value proposition for premium and corporate aviation customers.
Overall, the EASA certification of the Bombardier Global 8000 marks a milestone in the business aviation sector and reinforces the aircraft’s status as a leading contender in the ultra‑long‑range, high‑speed civilian jet category.
