Last Downsview-produced Global leaves the airport

Bombardier has rolled out the final Global 7500 produced in Toronto-Downsview (ON), ending an era for the Montreal-headquartered manufacturer at the assembly facilities it inherited with its 1992 acquisition of de Havilland from Boeing.

Global 7500 C-GYIN (70193) was the last of 9,500 aircraft produced by de Havilland Canada and Bombardier. That number included 1,601 Moth biplanes, 1,133 Mosquito fighter bombers, 1,692 Beavers, 1,305 Dash 8s and 1,202 Globals.

After getting airborne on 23 March 2024 the Bombardier did a farewell flyby at 600' above the ground, a poignant moment in Canadian aviation history.

The good news is that the Global family (5500 and 6500, along with the 7500) is now in full production at the new facility at Toronto-Pearson International Airport, in nearby Mississauga. Bombardier is planning a formal inauguration of its $400 million, 770,000-sq-ft factory at Pearson on 1 May.

Picture: Frederick K. Larkin