Aircraft Review: Middle East reveal
“With the Global 7500 and entry-into-service of the Global 5500/6500 later this year, Bombardier has positioned itself with the longest range, largest cabin and most sought-after products in business aviation – ideally suited for the needs of customers based in the Middle East.” Khader Mattar
Khader Mattar, VP Sales MEA, Asia Pacific, China, said: “The Global 7500 will be on tour in 2019 and has received a tremendous response from everyone who’s had the opportunity to see it so far. The jet started its World Tour in the United States with stops in various cities such as West Palm Beach, Dallas, Van Nuys and Teterboro, among others. It has been to Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), and Europe (London and Sion, Switzerland). It made stops in Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong), and then Dubai. The Global 7500 made its tradeshow debut at ABACE in Shanghai in April, and will be on static display at EBACE in Geneva in May.
“We look forward to making many more stops around the world to showcase the aircraft to even more customers,” he added.
Stepping aboard the aircraft, into the galley, the light reflects off mirrorglaze dark brown surfaces and a range of top end equipment. Ample practical storage is available for food, cutlery, crockery and crystal.
To appeal to all tastes, the visiting aircraft is decorated in neutral creams, beige and brown, with the four separate sections stretching away towards the stowage at the rear of the aircraft. First up is a spacious seating area for working, meeting or dining, which features the much-vaunted Bombardier-patented Nuage seats. Relaxing into their soft leather embrace, they really are very comfortable, and glide smoothly through 90 degrees to turn and face the interior of the aircraft. Alongside, sunk into the side storage, is the nice Touch CMS control – one touch sees the dial rise out of the panel, ready to connect and control your environment.
The second sliding door leads to an entertainment area, with credenza-mounted television screen and three-seat berthable sofa. Subtle up-lighting against dividing walls and panels gives a warm relaxing glow, and lights up the control panels alongside the sofa.
Your choice: With an array of floor plans and furnishing options, the Global 7500 business jet is designed as an extension of your home and office.
Finally, we come to a comfortable bedroom, with full bed complemented by elegant bedside lamps and a bathroom, with stand up shower and more shiny brown finishes. Overall, it is an impressive aircraft and one with a size and range that could well appeal to the local market.
Mattar said: “The response to the aircraft has been tremendous and overwhelmingly positive. With the Global 7500 and entry-into-service of the Global 5500/6500 later this year, Bombardier has positioned itself with the longest range, largest cabin and most sought-after products in business aviation – ideally suited for the needs of customers based in the Middle East.”
While the company will not give precise numbers, or regional breakdown of the orders received, Mattar confirmed that the order book is very strong. Bombardier expects to deliver 15-20 Global 7500 aircraft in 2019. Production capacity is booked until 2020 and the backlog is robust.
