As the first Global 8000 is delivered, we talk to Bombardier’s president and CEO about how the aircraft is bringing near-supersonic speed and uncompromising comfort to the world of private aviation.
The Bombardier Global 8000 is much more than a new aircraft. It is a statement about what long-range private aviation should feel like when time is the ultimate luxury. Recently unveiled in London—a city where Concorde’s legacy still carries cultural weight—the aircraft arrives as the fastest civil jet since supersonic travel last dominated the skies. And yet, speed is only half the promise. Speaking to Robb Report during the aircraft’s debut, Éric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier, positioned the Global 8000 as both the culmination of the company’s five-year transformation and a deliberate response to how high-fliers now live, work and move across the globe.
The Global 8000 is being compared to Concorde. What does that legacy mean for Bombardier?
We are clearly in a very different era from the Concorde days. Certification standards, safety requirements and customer expectations have evolved dramatically. That said, we are extremely proud to be delivering the fastest aircraft in civil aviation today. But for us, speed is only meaningful when it comes with comfort, safety and refinement. What truly defines the Global 8000 is the combination: speed, range and an unprecedented level of cabin comfort. The aircraft offers the smoothest ride we have ever produced—thanks to the wing design—and the lowest cabin altitude in the industry. When you put all of that together, you see that this is not just the flagship of Bombardier, but the flagship of business aviation.
How has private aviation changed in recent years and how does the Global 8000 reflect that shift?
Private aviation has transformed significantly over the past five years. Post- Covid, we saw a reset and an acceleration. People wanted privacy, flexibility and control over their environment. Many experienced private aviation for the first time through fleet operators and realised that it was not simply a luxury, but a highly efficient tool. Most of our customers fly hundreds of hours a year for work. They operate globally. They need to be in London one day, New York the next and Asia shortly after. The Global 8000 is designed precisely for that reality. It allows people to move efficiently while maintaining the comfort, connectivity and familiarity of home or office.
Comfort is central to that promise. What sets the Global 8000 apart inside the cabin?
Cabin pressure is one of the most important factors in long-distance comfort. On a commercial flight, you typically experience an altitude of about 1,800 to 2,100 m inside the cabin. On the Global 8000, it is just 820 m. That is the lowest in the industry. To put it simply, after a 17- or 18-hour flight, you arrive feeling rested, as if you had slept in your own bed. It is comparable to standing at the top of the Burj Khalifa. That difference fundamentally changes how people feel at the end of a long journey. The four-zone cabin allows different activities to happen simultaneously. Some passengers can dine or meet, others can work on video calls and others can rest in complete privacy. The goal is to replicate real life on board.
Bombardier is often associated with “quiet luxury”. How does that translate here?
Quiet luxury is about meticulous attention to detail. It is about materials, harmony, noise levels and flexibility. We work with the best designers to ensure everything feels cohesive and intentional, from the textures underfoot to the acoustics in the cabin. Flexibility is key. Comfort is subjective. Some owners prefer firmer seating, others softer. Some want a space that feels like a boardroom, others like a living room. Our role is to listen and adapt. Connectivity is also essential. Today, you can stream live sport, hold video meetings and work seamlessly, anywhere in the world.
How do you balance engineering ambition with craftsmanship and atmosphere?
Safety always comes first—everything on board must meet rigorous certification standards. But within that framework, our engineers and craftsmen work closely together. Performance and beauty are not opposing forces, they are complementary. We believe Bombardier excels at that balance. The engineering enables the experience, while the craftsmanship refines it.
Sustainability is increasingly important in luxury. How is Bombardier addressing this?
Sustainability has been part of aviation’s evolution for decades. Today’s engines produce roughly half the emissions of those from 50 years ago. At Bombardier, 85 to 90 percent of our R&D budget is dedicated to sustainability. We are exploring new aircraft architectures, materials and fuels. Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most impactful near-term solutions and we fully support its wider adoption. This is a long-term journey and one we take very seriously.
Ownership today is about more than the aircraft itself. How does Bombardier approach the client relationship?
For us, it is never just a transaction. We build long-term relationships. We stay close to our customers, listen to their feedback and continuously improve the product and services around it. We see ourselves as entrepreneurial and personal. Our customers can reach us directly. That connection is part of what defines Bombardier and it is something we value deeply.
Finally, what does the Global 8000 represent for Bombardier’s future?
It represents leadership, but also momentum. Over the past five years, Bombardier has undergone a major transformation. We are number one in customer support today and our services business has more than doubled. The Global 8000 sets the tone for what comes next. We will continue to refine our aircraft, enhance connectivity and expand our service network. This is not a conclusion, but the beginning of the next chapter.
