Bombardier is pleased to announce that the flight test program for the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft is progressing on schedule, with 70 per cent of flight testing complete.

"The response to the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft has been overwhelmingly positive since their unveiling at EBACE," said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "The program is proceeding to schedule and these exceptional new long-range business jets are on track to enter service in 2019."

Bombardier Business Aircraft revealed at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in May that it was growing its successful Global family with two long-range business jets, featuring a newly optimized wing and premiering exclusive Rolls-Royce Pearl engines. The Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft have more range, larger cabins and a smoother ride than competitors.

Flight testing for these new aircraft is progressing well, with 70 per cent of flight test hours completed at Bombardier's world-class test centre in Wichita, Kansas, where both the Airbus A220 and the recently certified Global 7500 aircraft underwent flight testing.

Bombardier's experienced flight test team reports that the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft are performing exceptionally well throughout the rigorous flight testing program.

"The flight test team feels privileged to execute another program for such superior aircraft," said Tom Bisges, Vice President, Bombardier Flight Test Centre and Flight Operations. "The Global 5500 and 6500 aircraft flight test program is proceeding smoothly, and we find that our extensive experience testing the Global 7500 aircraft, as well as the quality of these newest aircraft, allow us to continue to execute on schedule."

Aerodynamic validation of the aircraft's newly optimized wing, which was re-profiled to further refine Bombardier's signature smooth ride, is now complete. The Rolls-Royce Pearl engine, the most advanced in business aviation, is delivering on the unmatched total performance that sets these aircraft apart.

Interior completions of the first customer aircraft are set to begin this year at Bombardier's state-of-the-art completion facilities. The Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft will enter service with stunning new cabins, featuring the patented Nuage seat, engineered for maximum comfort on long flights, and debuting the industry-first Nuage chaise in the conference suite. Ultra-fast connectivity combined with the industry's first 4K, ultra-high-resolution system will maximize productivity and comfort on flights short or long, and customers will have safe access to baggage at all times.

Bombardier's advanced Vision flight deck on the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft introduces the first true combined vision system (CVS) in business aviation – the only system to seamlessly merge enhanced and synthetic images in a single view.

The Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft have class-leading ranges of 5,700 and 6,600 nautical miles, respectively, with top speeds of Mach 0.90 and Bombardier's smooth ride technology. The Global 5500 aircraft can connect New York to Cairo, and Miami to Moscow; the Global 6500 aircraft can connect New York to Beijing, and Miami to Istanbul.

These aircraft have highly favorable operating costs versus smaller competing aircraft with less range, and also deliver a range increase of up to 1,300 nautical miles when operating out of hot-weather and high-altitude conditions, thanks to increased thrust and improved fuel efficiency. They also boast superior agility, with the ability to access airports that others can't, such as London City.

Global aircraft offer greater peace of mind for customers, with an abundance of electrical power – four variable frequency generators and an auxiliary power unit – that far exceeds that of other business jets in their class.