Mike Dodd, CEO at Avionco Canada Ltd has worked with Bombardier for over 20 years and is an expert in Elite Pilot and Crew Services.
Given all the recent news about Bombardier – the launch of the near supersonic Global 8000 for example – we decided to ask him for an insider’s look at operating such an aircraft. Here’s what we learned:
Operating an ultra-long-range business requires clarity of mission, precision, foresight, and seamless coordination. With ranges exceeding 7,000 nautical miles and access to diverse airports worldwide, Bombardier Global aircraft demand a level of crew performance that goes well beyond standard operations.
Complexity beneath Simplicity
To passengers, operating a Global aircraft feels effortless. The quiet solitude of the cabin, an extremely smooth ride, and perfectly timed departures and arrivals make every trip a pleasurable experience.
Behind the scenes, however, every one of those flights involves layered complexity managed by a highly trained crew.
For example, flight crews must account for things like:
- Ultra-long-haul flight planning (often 12–15 hours)
- Polar or remote routing
- Rapid changes in weather across continents
- Airport limitations in remote or challenging locations
This requires not just technical skill, but advanced decision making and adaptability to changing circumstances.
Specialized Pilot Training
Pilots operating Global aircraft undergo rigorous, aircraft-specific training that includes type ratings for specific models, simulator sessions replicating real world scenarios, advanced avionics management and long-range fuel optimization strategies.
These aircraft are equipped with some of the most advanced flight decks in business aviation, requiring pilots to master integrated vision systems, sophisticated flight management systems and real-time data integration.
Training doesn’t stop after initial certification. Recurrent training schedules ensure pilots remain sharp and prepared for the expected and unexpected.
Crew Resource Management
On long-range Global flights, Crew Resource Management (CRM) is critical.
With the extended duty periods that come with this platform, crews need to be trained well to manage fatigue carefully, rotate responsibilities effectively and maintain constan situational awareness.
Mike Dodd emphasises that the core concept behind Avionco is communication. This is also true in operating a Bombardier Global aircraft. Every decision from routing adjustments to fuel reserves is made and shared within the team to ensure both safety and efficiency.
On any given flight the cabin crew are trained to keep several passenger related issues in mind including comfort on long flights, high passenger expectations and customized service requirements. They are responsible for creating an environment that feels more like a private residence than an aircraft cabin, while remaining fully prepared for any safety related event.
Preparation begins hours before departure and includes things like custom catering coordination, cabin configuration and setup, and passenger preference notes. During flight, they will anticipate needs while maintaining a calm, controlled presence at all times.
Ground Team Preparedness
Global aircraft operations also rely heavily on ground support teams to plan routes and fuel stops, coordinate international handling services, monitor weather and airspace conditions in real time. This coordination allows the entire flight crew to operate with maximum situational awareness, even when flying across multiple continents.
In the final analysis, complicated flight crew planning, preparation, training and above all, communication create passenger experiences that feel anything but.
About Avionco
Formed in 2000 by Mike Dodd and Josh Dodd, Avionco is a premier aircraft services provider, purpose-built to serve aircraft owners whose business and lifestyle needs require impeccable service and efficiency in everything they do.
Josh Dodd, COO, leads day to day operations with a team of dedicated senior management professionals delivering a complete suite of flight management services including Pilot and Crew selection, In-Flight and Ground Operations, Safety and Compliance, and Entry Into Service (EIS). Learn more at www.avionco.com