Bombardier's Global 5500, 6500 Gain U.S. Approval

Bombardier has received FAA validation for its newest Globals, the 5500 and 6500, paving the way for the aircraft to enter the U.S. market. Bombardier now has a triumvirate of approvals for the models, with Transport Canada certification coming in late September, followed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s nod in October. The first 6500 entered service in late September following Canadian approval. As Bombardier celebrated the FAA approval, the Montreal-based manufacturer also announced the delivery of the initial 6500 on order with Hong Kong–based HK Bellawings.

The trio of approvals come a little more than a year and a half after Bombardier made the surprise unveiling of the aircraft during the 2018 European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. Building on their Global 5000 and 6000 predecessors, the variants are fitted with new Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, reprofiled wings, upgraded interiors, and new flight deck features. The 5500 has a 5,900-nautical-mile range and the 6500 has a 6,600-nutical-mile range.

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Bombardier Global 5500 and 6500

These new models combine a time-tested fuselage with features that will help the airframer compete in the traditional large-cabin market.

HK Bellawings initially announced a letter of intent for a fleet of up to 18 6500s and 7500s valued at well over $1 billion. The aircraft management company later firmed up that letter of intent with orders for at least four 6500s and six more options. Also, HK Bellawings has firmed up at least six orders for the 7500. The agreements position HK Bellawings to manage the largest fleets of 6500s and 7500s in China.