Global 7000 Aircraft Flight Test Vehicles Achieve Key Development Milestones

Bombardier Business Aircraft announced that theGlobal 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft program is making significant progress with the achievement of major development milestones. The engines have been mounted on the first Global 7000 flight test vehicle (FTV1), which includes all major structural components: rear, centre and forward fuselage sections, wing, landing gears, and vertical and horizontal tail stabilizers.

“We are very excited by the significant progress being made on the Global 7000 flight test vehicles,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Our vision of building a game-changing aircraft is emerging as the first two state-of-the-art business jets take shape in final assembly.”  

In addition to the new engines, installation of the wiring harnesses and functional test procedures have commenced on FTV1. A second flight test vehicle (FTV2) is in final assembly with major structural components joined such as the rear, centre and forward fuselage sections, and cockpit. Two additional flight test vehicles are in various stages of production and assembly.

Other development milestones were achieved with the aircraft program’s airframe and systems testing: the Integrated Systems Test and Certification Rig (ISTCR) has been commissioned and safety of flight testing is underway; the avionics System Integrated Test Stand (SITS) rig has been installed at the Toronto site, and the Global 7000 Complete Airframe Static Test (CAST) rig has been commissioned. These comprehensive test articles will ensure the maturity and reliability of the aircraft’s structure and systems throughout the flight test program and before entry-into-service.

Global 7000 aircraft: Featuring the first and only true four-zone cabin, the Global 7000 aircraft will set the standard for a new category of large business jets, providing unmatched performance, flexibility, and comfort. The state-of-the-art Global 7000 aircraft will feature a wing that optimizes both short-field and high-speed, long-range performance, coupled with highly efficient engines, the largest cabin and the most advanced cockpit.

Passengers flying on the Global 7000 business jet will experience a spectacularly spacious cabin paired with an impressive long-range capability. The aircraft will connect London to Singapore* or New York City to Dubai* non-stop and will feature a superior maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925*.

Senior Vice President Appointed to Lead Global 7000 and Global 8000 Aircraft Program

As the Global 7000 and Global 8000 program enters a critical phase that is heavily focused on execution and operations, Bombardier has appointed Michel Ouellette as Senior Vice President, Global 7000 and Global 8000 Program. In his new role, Michel will oversee the complete program to ensure that the Global 7000 business jet – the industry’s first and only true four-zone cabin aircraft – is successfully brought to market.

“Michel is a seasoned Bombardier executive with a drive for excellence and a solid track record of results,” said Coleal. “Under his dynamic leadership, I am confident that the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft program will continue its momentum as we drive towards further development milestones.”

Michel Ouellette began his career at Bombardier in 1990 and spent the earlier part of his career in Experimental Engineering and Testing. In 2004, he joined the Challenger aircraft team, where he held increasingly senior roles, including Vice President and General Manager, Challenger aircraft programs. 

In April 2013, Michel served as Vice President and General Manager, Global Aircraft Programs and thereafter led the Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft division. He was named Chief Operating Officer for Business Aircraft in June 2015.

Michel Ouellette holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University, in Montréal. He is actively involved in industry activities and is a member of the Associate Member Advisory Council at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).