Bombardier’s Global series has reached a milestone for high-altitude airports, surpassing 2,500 takeoffs and landings at Aspen/Pitken County Airport (ASE) in Colorado. The milestone, achieved over the past 17 years, demonstrates the Globals’ capabilities in environments that can challenge other business jets, the company said.

Also known as Sardy Field, ASE is situated within the Rocky Mountains at about 7,820 feet above sea level. With steep approaches, the airport is among the most challenging at which to operate. ASE, however, also is a busy location for business jet travelers in the winter, located within a popular ski vacation destination.

Peter Likoray, senior v-p, sales and marketing for Bombardier Business Aircraft, noted that the Globals “can operate in and out of Aspen's airport effortlessly,” while providing a smooth ride.

In addition to the operational capabilities of its Global line, Bombardier noted that the latest Ka-band technology is now available for the Global 5000 and 6000, providing the fastest connection speeds yet. Bombardier in 2015 became the first business jet manufacturer to offer the Inmarsat JetConnex broadband system along with Honeywell JetWave satcom hardware. The company began initial deliveries of the system—which it calls Wave, for Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere—late last year.