Global 8000 cleared for steep London City arrivals

The Global 8000 can now tackle London City Airport’s unusually sharp descent after receiving UK regulatory clearance on September 10. The required angle is 5.5 degrees, compared with roughly 3 degrees at most airports. That capability brings a large, long-distance business jet to an airport close to Canary Wharf, with potential nonstop trips to Los Angeles, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Bombardier says movable slats along the wing’s front edge help the aircraft remain airborne at slower landing speeds. Its brakes then manage the energy created by the steeper arrival and short stopping distance. The aircraft can travel 8,000 nautical miles and reach Mach 0.95, combining intercontinental range with access to an airport that excludes most comparable jets.

The clearance covers the aircraft model, but it does not give every Global 8000 automatic permission to land there. Registration authorities must accept the steep-descent documentation for each jet, while London City also evaluates operators. Aircraft and crews must therefore clear separate requirements. NetJets, the launch customer, plans to move its Global 7500 fleet to the new model while retaining access to the airport.