Bombardier’s first Global 8000 enters service in Africa with Nigerian customer

Bombardier’s first Global 8000 executive jet has entered service in Africa after the aircraft was delivered to Nigeria’s BUA Group, a long-standing customer.

On June 16, 2026, Bombardier confirmed that the fastest civil aircraft since the Concord will support BUA Group’s long-range travel requirements.

According to Bombardier, BUA Group is a multinational company with interests across cement, food, oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, ports and terminals, and real estate.

The Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, and philanthropist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, is frequently listed among the top five richest people in Africa.

“The Global 8000 offers the range, speed, comfort, and reliability required to support our international business activities,” Abdul Samad Rabiu said. “For a group with international operations and commitments, the ability to reach more destinations non-stop while maintaining comfort and productivity on board is an important advantage.”

The first Global 8000 delivered in Africa is now in service with Nigeria-based @BUAgroup. This milestone reflects the growing importance of high-performance business aviation for global operations, with non-stop connections from Lagos to destinations such as Los Angeles, Perth… pic.twitter.com/HKlpLA34qU— Bombardier (@Bombardier) June 16, 2026

Bombardier described delivery of a Global 8000 to a customer based in Africa as an “important milestone” for the aircraft family.

“The delivery of Africa’s first Global 8000 to BUA Group is a significant milestone for both organizations and a proud moment in the strong relationship we have built over the years,” Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier, said. “We are honored by BUA Group’s continued trust in Bombardier and pleased to support its international travel requirements with our flagship Global 8000 aircraft.”

Hani Haddadin, Regional Vice President, Bombardier Aviation, said delivery of the new Global 8000 marked the third new aircraft BUA Group had acquired from the Canadian planemaker.

The Bombardier Global 8000 can reach a top speed of Mach 0.95 and has a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Other Global 8000 customers Bombardier has highlighted since it entered service in December 2025, include deliveries to private jet firms Vista and NetJets.

The first owner of a Bombardier Global 8000 was Canadian entrepreneur and longtime customer Patrick Dovigi who took ownership of his brand-new private jet at special event at the Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, on December 8, 2025.

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