Business Aviation

The Global 5000 (model designation BD-700-1A11) is a derivative based on Global Express, with 0.813 m (32 in) reduction in forward fuselage length, and 1,200 nm reduction in maximum range. Seating capacity is up to 19 passengers. The aircraft was announced at a special event on October 25, 2001 in Montreal. The official launch came (with a slight delay) on 5 February 2002, after a positive market assessment with letters of intent for 15 aircraft.

The aircraft is manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace in Toronto, Canada, and flown "green" to Montreal, St. Louis or Savannah for final completion. The Global 5000 is built on the same production line as the Global Express XRS, and the two types' serial numbers are intermingled.

The first Global 5000 aircraft (s/n 9127) took off from Bombardier's Downsview, Ontario facility under clear skies, at 12:24 p.m. EST and returned at 4:08 p.m. EST on March 7, 2003. During the course of its three-hour, 44-minute flight northwest of Toronto, it reached a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 m), and a maximum indicated airspeed of 340 knots (391 mph; 630 km/h). The flight was dedicated to testing basic system functionality and assessing the aircraft's handling and flying qualities. Captain Craig Tylski, principal engineering test pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center, flew the aircraft with co-pilot Gary Bruce, senior engineering test pilot. Also on board was flight test engineer Scott Runyan. Loaded with 23,000 pounds (10,433 kg) of fuel, the aircraft's takeoff weight was 77,600 pounds (35,199 kg). The aircraft completed its preliminary testing at Bombardier's Downsview facility, before it moved to Bombardier's Wichita facility to begin the flight test program. The Global 5000 made its first appearance at the Paris Air Show in June 2003.

The Global 5000 can fly close to 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) nonstop at Mach 0.80. The average trip lengths for most operators is 2.5 hours where the aircraft will cruise between Mach 0.85 and Mach 0.89, making it one of the fastest long range jets available today.

Typical configuration features 18 passenger seats including fully berthable seats and an aft lounge/bedroom. The aircraft has a full galley and two lavatories. The crew rest area was removed, but is being considered on newer versions.

Originally, the maximum takeoff weight was 89,700 lb (40,700 kg). With typical equipment and passenger accoutrements, the empty weight was 52,000–55,000 pounds (22,600–25,000 kg). In April 2008, Bombardier announced that the certified gross weight had been increased to 92,500 lb (41954 kg), which permitted an increased fuel load—projected maximum range increased to 5,200 nm (9637 km).

The maximum certified altitude is 51,000 ft (16,000 m) The typical approach speed is 108 knots (200 km/h) requiring approximately 2,600 feet (790 m) of runway for landing.