dailynewsnblog
London City Airport (LCY) has been an interesting facility from the moment it opened its doors. Situated at the heart of the capital city of the United Kingdom (or, at least, close to its financial center), the facility is popular among business travelers and high-net-worth individuals for its ease of access compared to more distant airports. However, it has one major drawback: the length of its runway.
This, combined with the close proximity of the central London skyline, has resulted in the airport featuring a uniquely steep approach path that limits the kinds of aircraft that can fly there. Now, however, Bombardier has taken a big step forward on this front by securing the necessary certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom to allow its Global 8000 private jet to land at London City.
Certification Secured
As confirmed in a statement released earlier today by the Canadian planemaker, the UK CAA has officially given Bombardier the green light when it comes to allow the firm’s Global 8000 private jet to touch down at London City Airport. This plane, which is the fastest civil aircraft in the world since Concorde, is Bombardier’s flagship model, with its speed and capacity attracting considerable interest.
The firm notes that, as “larger aircraft need to access nearby airports like Farnborough or Luton,” the Global 8000’s new ability to serve London City Airport could save operators “up to 60-90 minutes in ground transfer time.” This, it says, will “enhance productivity and provide the ultimate luxury of time.” Stephen McCullough, the EVP of Engineering, Product Development & Bombardier Defense, said today that:
“Access to this airfield is another testament to the Global 8000’s engineering excellence, where its advanced wing design, including leading-edge slats, and its robust braking systems deliver outstanding field performance.”
London City Airport & Its Challenging Runway
According to the Institute of Civil Engineers, London City Airport’s runway measured just 1,080 meters (3,543 feet) when the facility opened. The strip has since been extended to 1,508 meters (4,948 feet), but, even so, it is rather short and narrow in the grand scheme of things. Combined with a steep glide path dictated by noise restrictions and the skyline, landing there is something that few jets can do.
Indeed, on the commercial passenger side of things, the Institute of Civil Engineers notes that the largest aircraft that currently serve London City Airport on a regular basis are planes from the Embraer E-Jet and Airbus A220 series. These jets serve domestic and short-haul destinations from London City Airport, but the new ability of the Bombardier Global 8000 to fly there will unlock much longer routes.
Indeed, according to Bombardier, the 19-seat jet, which can fly at speeds of up to Mach 0.95 (1,000 km/h), has a range of some 8,000 NM (14,816 km). As such, its statement today highlighted the fact that, with its new certification from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Global 8000 can now “connect nonstop from key destinations such as Singapore, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Buenos Aires to [central] London.”
All About The Bombardier Global 8000
During its short operational career to date, the Global 8000 has put Bombardier on the map by setting record after record. As well as being the fastest private jet in the world, the firm notes that it is also “the only business jet with four true living spaces.” Its capacity of 19 flyers is also relatively high as far as modern private jets are concerned, meaning that it offers the perfect mix of space and range for its operators.
On board, the Bombardier Global 8000’s lucky few passengers benefit from the lowest cabin altitude in the sector, making for a more pleasant experience, while its wings are “engineered to help dampen turbulence for the industry’s smoothest ride.” Up front, pilots also benefit from “the most spacious cockpit and crew quarters in the industry,” making the jet, for those who can afford it, the perfect option.
