Showcasing the greatest aircraft in the skies, chosen by the editors at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur.
ULTRA-LONG-RANGE BUSINESS JET: BOMBARDIER GLOBAL 8000
It’s rare for any model to be awarded twice, but when we say we’re highlighting the best in market, we mean it. For the second year running, Bombardier’s Global 8000 remains the most exciting ultra-long-range business jet available.
The aircraft’s power is in its name: its 8,000-nautical-mile range delivers impressive city pairings like Nice to Los Angeles, Tokyo and Perth. Even before it starts taking first owners around the globe in 2025, the Bombardier Global 8000 is already breaking records not just in terms of distance but also speed and comfort. During testing required to certify its top cruising speed at Mach 0.94, the jet repeatedly went even faster, becoming the first civilian aircraft to break the speed of sound since the supersonic Concorde.
Passengers will benefit from the healthiest cabin with an advanced HEPA filter, the lowest cabin altitude, jet-lag-busting Soleil circadian lighting, as well as ergonomic, zero-gravity Nuage seating for maximum support. With the launch, Bombardier’s aim is not only to create a private jet that is a new flagship for the Canadian manufacturer, but to also signal a “new era” for business aviation as a whole. Watch this space.
LIGHT BUSINESS JET: CITATION CJ4 GEN2
One of the most versatile light business jets in the skies, Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 can take off and land on many of the world’s most challenging runways, including Sion and Lugano in Switzerland, and Mandelieu in France. When travelling for leisure, the 10-occupant aircraft can get you closer to your ski cabin, countryside vineyard or seaside villa than many larger jets. It’s also an excellent choice for business, with enhanced performance compared to its predecessor and a generous range—from Nice, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 can fly as far as the Canary Islands or even London and back without refuelling.
The cabin experience, meanwhile, is comfortable and enjoyable. CoolView® skylights give an outdoor perspective, while a wireless cabin management system gives passengers control of lighting, temperature and window shades. Seating configuration can be customised to include an optional couch or sidefacing seats, with premium collections also available for extra comfort.
CORPORATE HELICOPTER: BELL 525
Setting new standards for helicopter flight, the new BELL 525 promises a smooth and comfortable ride for long distances and offshore flights. Boasting superior payload and range performance, the aircraft is ideal for business customers, as well as superyachts, thanks to its already marinised airframe which protects against saltwater corrosion. The cabin features a flexible layout with myriad seating orientation options that can be reconfigured between flights. Pilots, meanwhile, will discover a modern cockpit equipped with a Garmin 5000H and exceptional visibility. It’s a win-win all round.
AIRCRAFT EXTERIOR: HONDAJET ELITE II
Slicing through white clouds with a flash of black and red, this HondaJet Elite II is one of the sexiest aircraft in the skies. Her matte-black exterior oozes masculinity and style, while the bold pop of colour is impossible to ignore. But the aircraft is more than a pretty face—the HondaJet Elite II is claimed to be the “fastest, farthest and highest-flying plane in its class”. She boasts a range of up to 1,547 nautical miles and is packed full of technological innovations including HondaJet’s special Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration.
The high-performance plane also features a spacious cabin and an ergonomically designed cockpit, enhancing the flight experience for both passengers and pilots.
TURBOPROP: PIPER FURY M700
This turboprop may be the smallest aircraft in our selection but it’s also one of the most fun—particularly if you’re piloting. The ultimate toy for aviation enthusiasts, Piper Aircraft’s FURY M700 offers pilots the ultimate sense of freedom. New to the Piper M-Class line, it’s officially the manufacturer’s fastest ever singleengine aircraft plane, breaking the company’s records in terms of speed, power and performance. This, of course, translates into quicker flight times, meaning you can fly from Nice to Geneva in 43 minutes, Paris in 1 hour 20 minutes, and London in 2 hours 4 minutes. Add into the mix six fresh interior schemes to select from and an intuitive touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck, and the aircraft climbs even higher in our estimations.
CABIN: PILATUS PC-24
While there’s much to commend Pilatus Aircraft on for its new PC-24 jet, it’s the interior that really stands out. The cabin is bright and versatile, featuring a six-seat executive configuration that offers ample space to relax and move around. The enhanced cabin incorporates optional new interior elements, including a large side-facing convertible divan which could be used as a sofa or a bed—a feature usually only found on much larger jets at a much higher price point. Other enhancements include improvements in lighting, storage and sound, plus a new high-tech cabin management system that can be easily controlled on a phone or tablet.
