(CNN) — The race to resume supersonic passenger flight nearly two decades after Concorde was retired offered a glimmer of excitement on Monday when aircraft maker Bombardier revealed high-speed achievements while confirming the launch of its new jet business.
With a capacity of up to 19 passengers, a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 kilometers) and a top speed of Mach 0.94, the next 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 a demonstration flight last May, reaching speeds in excess of Mach 1.015.
Supersonic breakthrough
A rendering of the interior of the Global 8000 aircraft, currently being developed by business jet manufacturer Bombardier.
Bombardier Aviation
The aircraft, accompanied by a NASA F/A-18 pursuit aircraft, also became the first transport-category aircraft to fly supersonic on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) following the flight, said Bombardier.
“The Global 8000 aircraft leverages the unique attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a flagship aircraft of a new era,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier, in a statement released. Monday.
Flight testing of the Global 8000 has already begun on the Global 7500 flight test vehicles. Bombardier says the next aircraft will also have a cabin altitude equivalent to 2,900 feet.
New era
The upcoming aircraft is described as “the fastest and longest business jet in the world”.
Bombardier Aviation
Global 8000 is just one of many developments in many efforts to increase the speed of passenger aircraft more than two decades after the retirement of Concorde.
Last year, United Airlines announced it could offer supersonic routes as early as 2029 after striking a deal to buy 15 supersonic jets.
Unfortunately, Florida-based aviation startup Aerion collapsed months after revealing plans for a Mach 4+ commercial jetliner named the Aerion AS3 last year.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly characterized the period of Concord’s retreat. Concorde aircraft were retired in 2003.
Top image credit: Bombardier Aviation