Bombardier and Rolls-Royce have introduced an enhanced aircraft health monitoring program for Global 5500 and 6500 aircraft, integrating Bombardier's Smart Link Plus system with Rolls-Royce's new engine vibration and health monitoring unit (EVHMU). The collaboration aims to improve operational availability and minimize downtime for operators by providing access to approximately 10,000 engine performance and health parameters. The upgrade is now available for installation at Bombardier Service Centres worldwide.

Enhanced Data Capabilities

Bombardier's Smart Link Plus system collects crucial aircraft data, enabling flight and maintenance crews to prioritize and proactively troubleshoot in-flight alerts. Approximately 450 Bombardier aircraft currently operate with the Smart Link Plus service, which maintains a 99% renewal rate. When combined with Rolls-Royce's EVHMU on the Pearl 15 engine, the system delivers real-time data transmission to Rolls-Royce experts during and after each flight.

Technical Integration and Availability

The Rolls-Royce EVHMU features advanced data analytics and provides early warning indications to prevent flight schedule disruptions. It monitors the performance of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) to enhance predictive maintenance capabilities. Both systems are now factory-installed on all in-production Global 5500 and 6500 aircraft. Select customers can book appointments to install the Smart Link Plus box alongside the EVHMU unit.

Operational Metrics

Executive Commentary

Anthony Cox, Vice President, Customer Support at Bombardier, stated that the integration allows customers to benefit from enhanced end-to-end data services that optimize aircraft performance and reliability while controlling maintenance costs. Andy Robinson, SVP Services - Business Aviation at Rolls-Royce, highlighted that the new EVHMU unlocks capabilities in cloud-based analytics, smart algorithms, and artificial intelligence, delivering exceptional levels of availability.

Service contracts for Smart Link Plus and Rolls-Royce CorporateCare Enhanced are required for activation, along with an update of EVHMU software and/or hardware. The EVHMU upgrade is currently available only for select Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft.

Bombardier announced the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 8000 aircraft in Asia to an undisclosed customer based in Shanghai, marking an important step in the expansion of ultra-long-range business aviation across the region. With its unique combination of speed, range and operational flexibility, the aircraft is exceptionally well suited to meet Asia’s mission profile, where customers value nonstop access between major financial centers, time savings on long-haul travel and the ability to connect seamlessly to destinations around the world. The Global 8000 enables nonstop city pairs such as Shanghai to New York, Shanghai to Dublin and Shanghai to Sydney, helping customers travel farther and faster while staying productive in flight.

For customers in Asia, the Bombardier flagship Global 8000 brings together the attributes that matter most on long missions: exceptional speed, a global reach, the healthiest cabin environment and the flexibility to land into more airports. In a market where long-range capability remains a priority, the aircraft offers a top speed of Mach 0.95, a range of 8,000 nautical miles and the industry’s lowest cabin altitude for an aircraft in production at 2,691 ft. (820 metres). These advantages help passengers arrive more refreshed and give operators greater freedom to optimize missions across Asia and beyond.

"This first Global 8000 delivery in Asia reflects the region’s continued appetite for aircraft that combine range, speed and an exceptional level of comfort for its passengers," said Emmanuel Bornand, Vice President, Sales, International. "Asia is a strategic market for Bombardier, and the Global 8000 is particularly well aligned with the way customers in the region travel: across long distances, on tight schedules and with a strong focus on comfort, efficiency and nonstop global connectivity."

Key Specifications

The Global 8000 sets a new benchmark for performance, flexibility and productivity in business aviation. The aircraft remains remarkably agile, with takeoff and landing performance comparable to that of a light jet. Its advanced wing design featuring unique leading-edge slats enable customers to master 30% more airports than its closest rival.

This milestone delivery reinforces Bombardier’s momentum in Asia and underscores the appeal of the Global 8000 for customers seeking a rare combination of global reach, operational flexibility and uncompromising comfort. This momentum is further reflected in Bombardier’s recent announcement to expand its Singapore Service Centre at JTC’s Seletar Aerospace Park through the addition of a newly built nearby facility of approximately 250,000 square feet, further strengthening its services footprint and customer support capabilities across Asia-Pacific.