Bombardier is heading into 2026 flying higher than a tricked-out private jet.
Driving the news: U.S. aviation authorities certified Bombardier's Global 8000, meaning the world’s fastest civilian plane can now legally fly across American skies. The business jet was approved by Canadian authorities last month and officially went into service two weeks ago.
With a starting price of US$78 million, the jet can reach near-supersonic speeds (Mach 0.95, to be exact), and owners can shave hours off long-haul flights.
Zoom out: After navigating tariff turbulence to start the year, the Montreal aerospace firm achieved cruising altitude, and has gone on a hot streak this month. In addition to the Global 8000 launch, Bombardier also bagged a $753 million deal with the Royal Canadian Air Force to provide six all-purpose jets and announced it would pay off US$500 million in debt early.
And things are looking bright for 2026 as it expands its aftermarket care services amid high demand and pursues a potential fighter jet venture with Sweden’s Saab.
Why it matters: More billionaires are being minted at a rapid pace thanks to mushrooming tech valuations and the dynamics of the K-shaped economy. That trend may not fill you with warm feelings, but it’s good news for Bombardier, which transformed itself over the past decade mainly into a purveyor of private jets — still a must-have for the well-to-do.