Bombardier's super-midsize Challenger 350 business jet has received steep approach certification from Transport Canada, the company announced on Monday at the Farnborough Airshow. The approval opens “countless” airports to the aircraft, said the Canadian OEM, including London City Airport (LCY), with its steep 5.5-degree approach angle and short runway.

During the steep approach certification flight-test campaign, a Challenger 350 performed several takeoffs and landings at LCY to demonstrate this operational capability. EASA and FAA steep approach certification are expected this year. Current Challenger 350 operators can have steep approach capability installed as a retrofit option at any of Bombardier’s company’s service centers.

The news follows recent announcements from Bombardier that a Rockwell Collins head-up display (HUD) and an enhanced vision system (EVS) are available as an option on the Challenger 350.

Bombardier (Chalet A5, Outdoor Exhibit 26) also announced UK-based TAG Aviation (sister company of TAG Farnborough Airport) has introduced the first Global 5000 equipped with a Premier Cabin for charter service in Europe. The aircraft will be based in Paris. The Premier interior, inspired by the Global 7500’s cabin, was introduced on the ultra-long-range Global 5000 and Global 6000 last year. 

With a range of 9,630 km (5,200 nm), the Global 5000 can connect Geneva to Miami and London to Seoul non-stop at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85, and is already certified for steep approaches, including London City Airport.

TAG’s Global 5000 represents the ninth addition to its managed fleet since receiving its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from Transport Malta last year, and more additions are expected this year, TAG said. The operator also holds AOCs in Switzerland, the UK, and Bahrain.