Round the World in unrivalled class

ROUND THE WORLD IN UNRIVALLED CLASS

Non-stop, as befits the name Global, with bedroom, shower, cinema and a kitchen that even an Italian gourmet will be happy with

Some invitations can’t be refused, so when a German operator asked me to try out one of the most admired business aircraft, which we announced in this magazine when it hadn’t yet been certified, I eagerly crossed Europe to do so.

Bombardier unveiled the Global 7000 and Global 8000 in 2010 with the intention of breaking into the market dominated by the Gulfstream G650ER with its 7,500 nautical mile range. But the global economy changed faster than the engineers could design, so they extended the range to 7.700 nm and the jet’s name was changed to Global 7500. The aircraft uses the same digital fly-by-wire controls of the Series C, which then became the Airbus 220, and boasted the latest version of Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion instrumentation, displayed on four large screens in a T configuration. Pilots are also provided with HUD screens, Collins MultiScan radar with predictive windshear detection and a datalink communications system. The flight manual reveals that at

maximum take-off weight of just above 52 tons, the 7500 needs a take-off run of 1,750 metres in standard atmospheric conditions. Behind, in the passenger cabin, is a space as large as a large two-room apartment, with double bed and great privacy, a space for travelling between continents and arriving at your destination feeling more rested than when you boarded the aircraft. As this is a fly-by-wire aircraft with sidestick controls, the G7500 has a spacious cockpit with pull-out dining tables and cup holders for the pilots, while the area behind them can be kitted out like an Italian restaurant.

On the example we tried out there are two sets of four seats located club-style forward, a space with three-seater sofa and then the bedroom. Opposite the kitchen is a crew rest area with a dedicated monitor and two windows. The kitchen is equipped with two large refrigerated drawers. There is room for an espresso machine – a vital piece of equipment for any Italian passengers. Given the presence of power outlets and enough

This photo, a view from above of the twin-engine intercontinental aircraft showing the wing plan designed for transonic flight. Opposite pages, the cockpit with fully-integrated avionics, intended for paperless use. Opening page, the lounge of the Global 7500 with large screen and high-fidelity audio system

room for it to fit I could have brought my own from home if I’d wanted to.

Top speed is Mach .925, very close to the speed of sound. The aircraft has a range of 14,200 km, which means it’s possible to take off in Milan and land in Los Angeles, San Paolo or Singapore, flying in a silent, hyperconnected environment that can, when desired, offer peace and seclusion while crossing the world in the company of a maximum of 14 people.

There are two ovens on board, a microwave/convection unit mounted above a convection/steam oven. A retractable tap lowers into the sink, which can be covered if not needed. The forward lavatory is situated after the kitchen. The windows are very large, measuring 35 by 55 cm, so passengers can admire the landscape below without restriction. Engineers spent seven years developing the “Nuage” chairs and sofas - when the back is reclined the rear section of the seat lowers so that more of the passenger’s body is in contact with it, encouraging muscular relaxation. The headrest can be adjusted, enhancing passenger comfort. A control

on the chair arm makes it possible to move the seat backwards, forwards and sideways, and also to rotate. Two doors close off this area. The Nuage sofa in zone 3 sits opposite a unit with 40” screen, transforming it into a comfortable cinema. Two doors close off this area, while those inside can enjoy the sound produced by the Nice Touch management system by Lufthansa Technik. The sofa can be turned into a bed when needed.

There are two Wi-Fi access points, USB 3.0 ports on every chair and three Bluetooth 4.0 modules. The USB ports enable passengers to charge devices or transfer content to and from the aircraft. In the private suite the Global 7500 has a double bed and bathroom with shower. On-board connectivity is provided by Bombardier’s Wave satellite communications system, which functions on the Inmarsat satellite network. The spacious luggage hold is accessible at all altitudes. Price 75-82 million dollars, cost per hour around 8,000 dollars. bombardier.com