Céline Dion’s €33 million private jet: everything you need to know

Quebec singer Céline Dion, whose fortune is estimated at 655 million euros, has just joined the very select club of private jet owners, following in the footsteps of major sports stars, showbiz celebrities and the big bosses of industry and high-tech. A true patriot, the Quebecoise has bought herself a Global Express XRS from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier , worth 42 million dollars.

How did Céline Dion arrange her private jet?

Like most of these privileged jet-owningbillionaires, she had her new flying jewel fitted out to provide every comfort for her travels on tour. The aircraft, which is 15 metres long, is equipped to carry up to 14 passengers. The star can work in the office she has installed or relax in her home cinema. The aircraft is also equipped with a dining room and a fully-fitted kitchen. Rather than convertible bunks, Céline Dion has opted for real beds. Finally, there’s a bathroom where you can wash up. In short, the star has given herself a very comfortable way of travelling between North America, Europe and Asia on her tours or for relaxation.

The story of Céline Dion’s private jet, the Bombardier Global Express

The Global Express model that Céline Dion decided to acquire is the commercial culmination of a project that began in 1991 in the business aviation sector.

In the early 90s, engineers at Canadair, the famous Canadian aeronautics company that had been bought out a few years earlier by Bombardier, conceived of a long-haulprivate jet . After two years of pre-studies, trial and error and hesitation, the teams decided that the project was viable and of economic interest to the company. The programme was officially launched in 1993.

It was a major project. Bombardier’s aeronautics division, which could not provide all the funding, joined forces with Japan’s Mitsubishi, which would design the wings and central fuselage sections. The jet will be equipped with a turbojet engine from the Anglo-German company BMW Rolls-Royce. The electrical system and computerised flight controls, like those on Concorde, will be developed by French companies. In all, this highly international project will involve more than 200 engineers working on several continents. The first prototype of the Global Express made its maiden flight on 13 October 1996.

Ultimately, the project will result in a spacious and luxurious business jet, using the most advanced technologies, capable of carrying up to 16 passengers and 3 crew members. The jet flies at a speed of mach 0.8 and has enough range to cover non-stop distances equivalent to New York – Tokyo. The aircraft is equipped with communications facilities to enable passengers to work as if they were at their desk.

Three of Bombardier’s aeronautical divisions will be involved in the project: Montreal, which will be responsible for the nose of the aircraft; Belfast, for the engine nacelles, the horizontal stabilizer and the front fuselage; and Toronto, for the final assembly of the aircraft, in addition to manufacturing the rear fuselage and the empennage.

Since the day of the first flight, Bombardier engineers have continued to improve the aircraft’s performance: increased cruise speed, greater flight autonomy, increased capacity to 19 passengers and a customised interior layout.

Some features of Céline Dion’s Global Express XRS

Céline Dion , the owner of the aircraft, has opted for an improved version of the Global Express. The letters XRS stand for “Extended Range & Speed”, as the aircraft offers a higher cruising speed, a better-designed and brighter cabin, and increased range. The Global Express XRS has a maximum speed range of 11,427 km, bringing it to airports and business airports all over the world. What’s more, it has a unique system enabling it to refuel in less than 15 minutes.

Privateairline iXAir has become the first French airline to operate the Global Express XRS.

Céline Dion’s private jet: a star’s whim?

Céline Dion’s decision to invest in a private jet was motivated by the resumption of her Courage World Tour, which had been suspended due to the health crisis. Her tours are tiring. Everywhere she goes and in the air, she needs a home with all the comforts she needs. Her new jewel will enable her to make regularconnections and return trips between the countries hosting her show and her home in Las Vegas,with less fatigue.

Would you like to hire a privatejet? At AEROAFFAIRES, our aviation experts are at your service on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will respond as quickly as possible to your online quote to find you the business flight that best meets your requirements. You can also contact us by email at charter@aeroaffaires.com.