Royal Canadian Air Force Purchases Six Global 6500 from Bombardier

The Government of Canada recently bought six Global 6500 aircraft from Bombardier to add to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet.

When considering the cost of military modifications along with the Global 6500’s current list price, Bombardier values the order at around $400 million.

The Canadian government plans to use these aircraft for missions like:

• Worldwide utility flights
• Aeromedical evacuations
• Disaster relief
• Humanitarian aid
• National security operations

Bombardier held a celebration to toast the agreement at its Global Aircraft Assembly Centre in the Greater Toronto Area attended by:

• The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement
• The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville
• Bombardier representatives
• Representatives from Canda’s federal government
• Provincial officials
• Department of National Defence representatives
• Royal Canadian Air Force representatives

Interior completion work will also be completed on these aircraft in Greater Montreal.

The Royal Canadian Air Force anticipates receiving its first Global 6500 by the summer of 2027. The organization has been using the Bombardier Challenger since 1983.

“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions, making it the go-to solution for governments around the world,” said Éric Martel, president and chief executive officer, Bombardier.

Martel added, “Today, the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”

“The award of this contract to purchase the Global 6500 under the Defence Investment Agency is a turning point in how Canada equips its military,” Minister Fuhr said.

He continued, “By streamlining processes and cutting red tape, the Defence Investment Agency is accelerating the delivery of the versatile capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs. Canada has a world-class aerospace industry, and this investment will harness that strength to create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and bolster our security.”

Bombardier’s Global Aircraft Assembly Centre manufactures aircraft like:

• Global 5500
• Global 6500
• Global 8000

The facility opened in 2024 and boasts:

• Investment of over $670 million CAD from Bombardier
• More than 2,000 highly skilled workers employed
• High-precision aircraft manufacturing operations

Bombardier also released an Environment Product Declaration for the Global 6500 aircraft. This report outlines the aircraft’s footprint and environmental performance throughout its life cycle.

The company evaluates thousands of parts for the Global 6500 to ensure transparency and reduce environmental impact.

Bombardier business jets can be used for defense missions including:

• Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C)
• Border and maritime patrol
• Multi-role
• Head of state transport
• Medevac
• Urgent humanitarian assistance