Bombardier's long-range Global Express, which began service in 1999, is named for its speed and distance capabilities — and happens to be the personal means of transportation for Bill Gates. The big bizjet can hold up to 19 passengers, and can fly non-stop distances of 6,500 nautical miles (7,480 miles), cruising at speeds over Mach 0.80. Bombardier claims that, like the Challenger, the Global Express boasts the largest cabin volume in its class. The Global Express has been converted for military use as an airborne early warning aircraft by the Royal Air Force. In 2005, the Global 5000 was introduced. It has a slightly shorter range, but still can fly some 5,000 nautical miles (5,750 miles) non-stop.
