The Bombardier Global 5000 and Bombardier Global 6000 represent two of the three in-production Global aircraft.
However, which one is right for your needs? Which one should you charter or buy? Or even, to satisfy your own curiosity, how do aircraft within the same family differ?
All these questions (and more!) will be discussed and answered in this head-to-head comparison of these two long range aircraft.
Performance
When it comes to performance the Global 5000 and Global 6000 have some striking similarities. After all, both aircraft are part of the same family and simply variations of each other.
One area where these two aircraft are identical is their powerplant.
Both the Global 5000 and Global 6000 are powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710-A2-20 engines.
Additionally, each engine produces up to 14,750 lbs of thrust. Therefore, the total thrust output for each aircraft is 29,500 lbs.
However, despite both aircraft being powered by the same engines and having the same total thrust output, the Global 6000 has a higher maximum cruise speed.
While the Global 5000 can cruise at up to 499 knots, the Global 6000 is capable of cruising at up to 513 knots.
Will a 14 knot cruise speed make a difference in the real world?
Chances are not. However, it is important to consider that the stats of these kind of aircraft is an important factor for many buyers.
Moreover, in an apples to apples comparison, the Global 6000 will get you to your destination faster than the Global 5000. Albeit only just.
However, when it comes to the average hourly fuel burn of these aircraft the Global 5000 comes out ahead of the Global 6000.
Per hour the Global 5000 is expected to burn an average of 450 Gallons of fuel. In comparison the Global 6000 is estimated to burn around 470 Gallons per Hour (GPH).
Therefore, after round one of the comparison, the choice can be boiled down to the trade off between time and money.
The Global 6000 will get you to your destination slightly quicker than the 5000. However, the Global 6000 will cost slightly more in fuel than the Global 5000.
Range
One of the key differences between these two aircraft is range. Bombardier have carefully placed these aircraft in their lineup to keep customers within the family.
In terms of actual numbers, the Global 5000 is capable of flying up to 5,200 nautical miles (5,984 miles / 9,630 kms) without needing to refuel.
In comparison, the Global 6000 is capable of flying up to 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles / 11,112 kms) without needing to refuel.
Of course, as with every manufacturer stated range figures, these numbers are somewhat optimistic. However, given that these figures are from the same manufacture, these can be taken and compared easily.
Both aircraft are able to comfortably cruise between North America and Europe.
Visualize these range figures using our private jet range tool here.
Ground Performance
When it comes to ground performance the Global 5000 easily wins. Of course this is not surprising given that these aircraft are based on the same platform and even powered by the same engines. However, the Global 6000 is larger and heavier.
As a result, the Bombardier Global 5000 has a minimum take off distance of 5,540 feet. In comparison the Bombardier Global 6000 has a minimum take off distance of 6,476 feet.
When it comes to the minimum landing distance of these aircraft the Global 5000 wins again.
The Global 5000 has a minimum landing distance of 2,207 feet. In comparison, the minimum landing distance of the Global 6000 is 2,236 feet.
Will these figures be noticed in the real world? Potentially. However, most likely not.
There are only a handful of airports around the world that would be able to accommodate the Global 5000 but not the Global 6000.
Interior Dimensions
As has been previously mentioned, the Global 5000 and Global 6000 are based on the same platform. Therefore, the key difference on the inside is length.
When it comes to interior length, the Global 5000’s cabin measures 12.41 meters long. In comparison, the Global 6000’s measures 13.18 meters in length.
However, every other dimension is identical within the cabin.
For example, the interior width of both aircraft measures 2.41 meters. Additionally, both aircraft measure 1.88 meters in height.
These dimensions represent a comfortable environment for most people. There is enough headroom to move around the cabin without having to hunch over.
Additionally, the cabin is wide enough to provide comfortable, wide seats, with a decent sized aisle to navigate the interior.
Interestingly, Bombardier say that the extra length of the Global 6000 results in a maximum occupancy of one more passenger over the Global 5000.
Officially, the Global 5000 is capable of carrying up to 16. Whereas the Global 6000 has an official maximum passenger occupancy of 17.
Finally, baggage capacity. Again, no surprise here. Both aircraft are able to handle 195 cubic feet of luggage.
Interior
Despite being based on the same platform, there is a sizeable age difference between the two aircraft.
For reference, deliveries of the Global 5000 began in 2005, compared with deliveries of the Global 6000 starting in 2012.
A key factor of interior comfort that is often overlooked is cabin altitude. However, in this scenario there is no competition. Both the Global 5000 and Global 6000 have a maximum cabin altitude of 5,680 feet. Please note that this is when both aircraft are cruising at their maximum altitude of 51,000 feet.
Bombardier Global 5000
The Bombardier Global 5000 is designed in the classic Global aircraft style. That is to say, quiet, tasteful, and comfortable. Firstly, the advanced wing design of the aircraft provides passengers with a restful and smooth flight. Additionally, the aircraft features the widest cabin in its class, resulting in more room than its closest competitor. Therefore, passengers can expect maximum comfort and an exceptional cabin experience.
Entering the cabin reveals a large, reimagined cabin interior. Seats have been sculpted to welcome the human body and the elegant lines of the cabin come together to create an aesthetic masterpiece.
The all-new seats boast outstanding width, higher armrests, and an impeccably shaped backrest. Passengers, therefore, are able to enjoy a delightful and inviting experience. This makes the aircraft ideally suited to long-distance travel. Ultimately, whether you are looking to work, rest or play, the Global 5000 provides the perfect environment to sit back and relax.
The Global 5000 is able to keep you always connected. No matter where you are. Bombardier has given the Global 5000 the fastest available in-flight internet connectivity technology. Therefore you will be able to keep up with work and join video conferences. If that’s not your style the WiFi is even strong enough for online gaming. Depending on your requirements you are able to select from multiple data packages, allowing you to choose the right speed for you.
Bombardier claims that the cabin management system on the Global 5000 is “the most comprehensive … system”. Claimed to be ultra-fast, reliable, intuitive, and hosting a large media bay. This system enables passengers to wirelessly watch movies and display documents on the large high definition TV monitors around the cabin. Passengers are able to control the entire cabin from their personal devices (iOS and Android).
Global 5000
Global 6000
Bombardier Global 6000
Unsurprisingly the Global 6000 has a well-appointed interior. The interior has been designed to bring you the smoothest, most refreshing, and productive experience possible from a business jet.
Thanks to the widest cabin in its class, more room is on offer than its nearest competitor. In Bombardier’s own words; “with outstanding width, higher armrests, and an impeccably shaped backrest, the new seats allow passengers to enjoy a delightful and inviting experience, ideally suited to long-distance travel. Whether you wish to work, rest or play, time will simply fly by as you sit back in this exceptional interior.”
The galley features hardwood flooring, seats sculpted to the human body, and elegantly designed lines. Featuring Bombardier’s cabin management system you can control the whole cabin from your fingertips. The ultra-fast and intuitive media bay allows you to watch films, live stream, and display documents on the TV monitors.
Bombardier has even developed the cabin management system to be controllable from your mobile device (iOS and Android). The media bay onboard allows you to connect a host of devices, such as game consoles, Blu-ray players, and digital media players.
The 6000 has the fastest available in-flight internet connectivity worldwide based on Ka-band technology. Join video conferences, stream films, and even online game. Bombardier offers a variety of data packages. These packages allow you to find the right speed for your needs. Ka-band technology is the fastest in the air (up to 15 Mbps). Additionally, Ka-band provides the best coverage and reliability.
At the rear of the aircraft, you will find the stateroom. This adds “a sense of tranquility” with large windows providing ample natural light. The stateroom features a full-berth divan, spacious wardrobe, independent temperature control, and lavatory area.
If you would like to configure your own Global 6000 then simply head over to Bombardier’s configurator.
Charter Price
When it comes to chartering these aircraft the Global 5000 is less expensive than the Global 6000.
However, please note that there are many factors that influence the price of a private jet charter. Therefore, prices will vary depending on the mission.
The estimated hourly charter price of the Global 5000 is $7,350 .
In comparison, the estimated hourly charter price of the Global 6000 is $8,100. Please do keep in mind that these prices are estimates only.
There are a variety of factors that can and will influence the charter price of a private jet.
Purchase Price
And finally, how much does each aircraft cost to buy?
The Bombardier Global 5000 has a new list price of $50 million.
In comparison the Bombardier Global 6000 has a new list price of $62 million.
However, the purchase price of these aircraft starts to get really interesting when looking at their pre-owned value.
According to Aircraft Bluebook, a five year old Global 5000 will set you back $25 million.
Therefore, the Global 5000 will see a 50% retention of value over the same time period.
In comparison, a five year old Global 6000 is estimated to cost $29 million.
This, therefore, results in the Global 6000 will see a 47% retention of value over the same time period.
As a result, owning the Global 6000 for five years will see a greater loss in depreciation than the Global 5000.
Summary
So, after all of this information how do you conclude which aircraft is best?
Ultimately the decision of which aircraft to use will come down to range.
Can the Global 5000 complete the mission? If not, then the Global 6000 can do it. And if the 6000 is unable to make it then go all out and fly the Global 7500.
Ultimately these two aircraft are the same. However, the Global 6000 is a slightly longer range variant. Essentially equivalent to a Global 5000ER.
