Bombardier’s Global 8000: Supersonic in the world’s fastest passenger jet test

(CNN) – The race to resume supersonic passenger flights almost two decades after Concord’s retirement was given a glimpse of excitement Monday when plane maker Bombardier unveiled high-speed achievements while confirming the launch of its new commercial jet.

With a capacity of 19 passengers, a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 kilometers) and a top speed of Mach 0.94, the upcoming aircraft is expected to enter service in 2025, according to a statement from Bombardier.

The news comes after a Global 7500 test vehicle broke the sound barrier during an exhibition flight last May, gaining speed over the Mac 1.015.

Supersonic breakthrough

The aircraft, along with a NASA F / A-18 chase aircraft, also became the first transport category aircraft to fly supersonic with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a result of the flight, Bombardier said.

“Global 8000 Aircraft leverages the outstanding features of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a new era of flagship aircraft,” Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martell said in a statement released Monday.

Flight testing for the Global 8000 has already begun on the Global 7500 flight-test vehicle. Bombardier says the cabin height of the upcoming aircraft will also be equal to 2,900 feet.

New era

More than two decades after Concord’s retirement, the Global 8000 is one of countless efforts to speed up passenger aircraft.

Last year, United Airlines announced that it could offer supersonic routes in early 2029 after signing a deal to buy 15 supersonic jets.

Sadly, Florida-based aviation startup Aerion crashed last month, just months after unveiling plans for a Mach 4+ commercial aircraft called the Aerion AS3.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly marked Concorde’s retirement deadline. Concorde aircraft retired in 2003.

Top Image Credit: Bombardier Aviation