Bombardier Global 7500 Jet Departs from San Luis Obispo to Set Speed Record

Aviation history was made on Thursday, February 28, 2025, as a Bombardier Global 7500 jet took off from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SLO Airport) at approximately 2 p.m., embarking on a nonstop flight to London in an attempt to set a new speed record. sanluisobispo.com

The Global 7500, Bombardier’s flagship business jet, boasts a range of nearly 8,000 nautical miles and can cruise at speeds exceeding 90% of the speed of sound. This endeavor marks the aircraft’s 100th speed record, underscoring its exceptional performance capabilities.

The Bombardier Global 7500 business jet boasts a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925, which translates to approximately 982 km/h (530 knots). This capability enables the aircraft to complete long-distance flights efficiently, such as the record-setting journey from Los Angeles to New York in under four hours, maintaining high-speed cruise for much of the flight.

ACI Jet, an authorized Bombardier service facility based at SLO Airport, hosted the event. CEO Bill Borgsmiller highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “It’s probably the most capable business jet on the planet right now—obviously, the ability to go from somewhere like this to London direct, nonstop, fast, quiet, efficient.” He further emphasized the economic impact on the local community, noting that the collaboration with Bombardier has created numerous jobs for maintenance and repair technicians.

Mark Masluch, Bombardier’s Senior Director of Communications, expressed enthusiasm about achieving this milestone in San Luis Obispo, remarking, “It is the 100th record we’re setting, and we’re very happy to celebrate it with a community that’s so passionate about aviation.” He praised the local expertise, adding, “Just being here, you can see that people are passionate about planes, passionate about the people who fly them, and the technical knowledge here is just second to none.” ksby.com

The Global 7500’s attempt to set a new speed record from San Luis Obispo to London not only showcases the jet’s advanced engineering but also highlights the region’s growing prominence in the aviation industry.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ksby.com, sanluisobispo.com