Bombardier at NBAA-BACE 2026: Global 8000, a Chalet and John Travolta

Three aircraft and a programme built around service: that is how Bombardier planned its appearance at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), scheduled in Las Vegas from 20 to 22 October. The static display was planned around the flagship Global 8000, alongside the Global 6500 and the Challenger 3500. The manufacturer presented the line-up on 13 October 2026.

Three aircraft on the static display

The Global 8000 was set as the headline. Éric Martel, president and chief executive of Bombardier, called it "the fastest business jet in the world" ahead of the show and said that having the Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500 on site shows the strength of the portfolio. For the numbers behind the flagship, see our Global 8000 profile; the Challenger 3500 profile covers the super-midsize model on the stand.

Service as the second exhibit

Bombardier puts as much weight on support as on the aircraft. Its customer support team has been ranked number one in the AIN Product Support Survey for three consecutive years and in the Corporate Aircraft Product Support Survey of Professional Pilot for two consecutive years, and the company invited visitors to meet that team at the show. According to Bombardier, customers operate a fleet of more than 5,200 of its aircraft, supported by 10 service centres in six countries.

Martel links the rankings to investment in people, innovation and a growing global network, with the aim of delivering the level of service customers expect "throughout the life of their aircraft". Why after-sales support weighs so heavily for owners is part of our article on aircraft management.

L'Expérience in the chalet

Next to the aircraft, the Bombardier hospitality chalet was to host L'Expérience by Bombardier, a curated journey meant to give an intimate look at the vision, innovation and craftsmanship behind the aircraft of the company, the Global 8000 included.

John Travolta on 50 years of flying

The most unusual date in the programme was a Pilot Talk with John Travolta, scheduled for 20 October at 3:00 p.m. at the static display. Travolta is type rated on more than a dozen aircraft, most recently on a Bombardier Global Express. A type rating is the qualification a pilot needs for each specific large aircraft type. In the session, titled "Beyond the Flight Deck", Travolta was to talk about 50 years of flying and the moments that defined him as a pilot.

Flights for patients

Bombardier was also Platinum sponsor of the Fund an Angel event of the Corporate Angel Network, scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Waterbleau Terrace of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The organisation helps cancer patients reach specialised treatment by arranging free flights on corporate and commercial aircraft.

Judging a cabin in person

Across the three show days, Bombardier planned to welcome customers, media and industry guests at its static display and in its hospitality spaces. For anyone comparing long-range jets, a static display is the place to judge cabin height, seats and finish in person; our spec sheet guide lists the figures worth checking afterwards.

Questions

Which Bombardier aircraft were planned for NBAA-BACE 2026?

Bombardier planned its static display with the Global 8000, the Global 6500 and the Challenger 3500. The 2026 edition of NBAA-BACE was scheduled in Las Vegas from 20 to 22 October.

When was the John Travolta talk at the Bombardier stand?

The Pilot Talk "Beyond the Flight Deck" was scheduled for 20 October 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bombardier static display, with Travolta speaking about 50 years of flying.

What is L'Expérience by Bombardier?

A curated experience inside the Bombardier hospitality chalet at NBAA-BACE 2026, meant to give a look at the vision, innovation and craftsmanship behind its aircraft, such as the Global 8000.

Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prices are indicative and never a quote. Seen something out of date? Tell the editors.