Bombardier’s 7,700-nm Global 7500 recently wrapped up a round of flight trials for steep approach approval, completing what the company claims is an industry first: a direct flight from London City Airport (LCY) to Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in California.
Completed on May 11, the flight from LCY to VNY involved Bombardier’s fifth flight-test vehicle (FTV), which was configured with the equivalent weight of a fully fitted interior, including stateroom.
It also carried 2,400 pounds of additional payload that represented about 11 passengers and baggage.
The flight was part of an overall steep approach test campaign that also involved a number of takeoffs and landings at the airport to demonstrate operational capability. Bombardier is targeting Transport Canada nod for steep approaches in its flagship twinjet later this year.
“Welcoming the Bombardier Global 7500 to London City Airport for its flight-test campaign is a crucial milestone towards certification and subsequent business jet operations at London’s most central airport,” said Gary Hodgetts, director of operations at London City Airport. “The flight completed by the Global 7500 FTV on May 11 is the longest flight ever out of London City and demonstrates the exceptional performance of the aircraft.”
The May 11 mission followed back-to-back city-pair speed records involving Global 7500 flights between New York and London and between Los Angeles and New York.
Bombardier's Global 7500 also completed a long-range mission from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona, during a recent world tour.
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