Bombardier Business Aircraft (Chalet 18, Booth SD20) is showcasing four of its top-end business jets at ABACE, led by the fuselage mock-up of the mammoth Global 7000 with a fully outfitted interior, along with a Global 6000 decked out in the new Premier cabin, both making their ABACE debuts.

“We are thrilled to have the show-stopping Global 7000 mockup at ABACE, and we are equally delighted to debut the Premier cabin,” said Khader Mattar, vice president sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and China. “China and Asia represent one of the largest markets for us, and this is one of the most important aerospace exhibitions in the world,” he added.

The mockup of the flagship-to-be arrives fresh from successful stops in Dubai and Singapore. Scheduled to enter service in the second half of this year, the clean-sheet Global 7000 will be the world’s largest purpose-built business jet, and offers the smoothest ride in its class, according to Bombardier, due to the optimized aerodynamic characteristics of the wing. The cabin features four zones, fronted by a full-sized crew suite along with a modern, multifunctional kitchen. The aft stateroom can accommodate a double bed, and the cabin size allows for a choice of configurations and many customization options, including wood and stone flooring. The 28 windows in the cabin are each 80 percent larger than those on the Global 5000 and 6000. Given the need for comfort on an aircraft that can fly passengers 7,400 nm, Bombardier also created its own seats, rather than outsourcing design and production as on previous Global models. They incorporate hand-stitched leather and ergonomic features such as higher armrests, sculpted backrest, and resculpted cushion upholstery that increases lumbar support.

Performance benchmarks for the Global 7000 include short field and high/hot capability, opening London City, Aspen, and other challenging airports to the jet. GE Passport engines will power it to a cruise speed of Mach 0.85, and high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, shortening travel time between city pairs such as Shanghai-Los Angeles.

The Canadian company has built a special room in its chalet to welcome visitors to the Global 7000 mockup, where they can watch videos and get additional information about the $72.8 million jet from a full complement of company sales representatives and executives. The virtual cabin received a great deal of interest before arrival, and Bombardier will keep it in China for another week to meet the demand for private showings, Mattar said.

The actual Global 7000 made its debut at the NBAA show in Las Vegas last year, where one of the five flight-test vehicles (FTVs) the company is using to secure certification was displayed, though not open for viewing. Mattar said showing the mockup at ABACE this year is “the first step before bringing the real thing.”

Yet attendees lucky enough to see the cabins of both the Global 7000 and Global 6000 here would have a hard telling them apart—size difference aside. The optional Premier cabin for the Global 6000 and Global 5000, introduced last year at EBACE in Geneva, borrows liberally from the Global 7000 cabin and establishes a unifying interior aesthetic across the Global series, Mattar said. Two-tone veneers and sleek side ledges epitomize the modern aesthetic, accentuating the spaciousness of what is already the widest cabin in class. Functional elements are discreetly incorporated, such as recessed cup holders and the unobtrusive cabin-comfort controls on the divan.

The super-midsize Challenger 350 and Challenger 650 are also on display. The eight-passenger Challenger 350 has a 3,200 nm range fully loaded, with a flat-floor cabin and expansive interior featuring signature metal trim. The Challenger 650 seats up to 12 passengers and has a 4,000 nm range. Built on the same cabin platform, both the 350 and 650 claim widest-cabin-in-class status. The Challengers are finding favor with buyers in the region who want a large-cabin jet but don’t require transoceanic range. “A lot of customers in the Chinese market are buying them for travel to Singapore,” Mattar said, “rather than [buying] a larger Global aircraft.”

Bombardier is also highlighting its ability to provide aftermarket service for operators in the region, with factory service centers in Singapore and Tianjin, the latter opening last year. Also last year, the company expanded its Smart Services offering for new and also in-service Bombardier jets. Now customers can tailor maintenance coverage to their and their aircraft’s needs, including both parts and labor if desired—for a flat per-flight-hour price. “[Maintenance] costs are one of the main concerns on customers’ minds,” said Mattar. “We are giving their minds a rest by quoting them an hourly rate, and protecting their costs.”

Looking ahead, Mattar sees the region and Bombardier becoming even more entwined. “China’s economy has changed from investment into more consumption, so I think we’re going to see more growth on the business aircraft side of aviation,” he said, “and that will create huge opportunities for us.”