Bombardier Business Aircraft says it’s “business as usual” in the wake of C Series sale

Bombardier Business Aircraft is reporting “business as usual” in the wake of the C Series acquisition.

The Quebec-based manufacturer says it continues to focus on the Global 7000 and 8000 and is looking to grow its aftermarket services business.

Mark Masluch, director of communications and public affairs for Bombardier Business Aircraft, says Airbus’ acquisition of Bombardier’s C Series programme has had no real direct impact on the division.

“It is almost like we are not in the wake of the announcement,” he told Corporate Jet Investor. “We are definitely celebrating the win/win/win aspect of our colleagues’ partnership and certainly we all cheer for the C series, but it has been business as usual at Bombardier Business Aircraft.”

Next on the cards: Global 7000, aftermarket services and the Global 8000

Bombardier’s business jet projects were pushed back in the lead up to the C Series’ commercial launch. Its upcoming long-range business jet models, the Global 7000 and Global 8000, were initially set to enter service this year but the programme was pushed back two years in 2015.

Now Bombardier Business Aircraft is focusing on getting the Global 7000 flying and strengthening its aftermarket services operations. “On the business aircraft side, the attention has been on the Global 7000 and the growth of our aftermarket services network,” said Masluch.

Four Global 7000 flight test vehicles (FTVs) are undergoing flight tests and have surpassed 900 hours flight hours to date. Development and certification of the aircraft is on schedule and the aircraft is on track to enter service in the second half of next year.

Preparations are under way for the fifth FTV’s initial flight and a number of Global 7000 business jets are in final assembly.

As part of its aftermarket services focus, Bombardier has expanded its service centre in Tuscon, Arizona, and opened parts depots in Miami, Florida, and Tianjin, China. It has also introduced a new cost-per-flight-hour subscription service, “Smart Services”.

Focus will return to the Global 8000 further into the Global 7000s certification and flight tests. The aircraft is the smaller of the new Global range, carrying four fewer passengers but being able to fly 600 nautical miles further. Bombardier claims it will be “the world’s farthest-reaching business jet”.

“We are focused on the 7000 right now so we will be looking at the 8000 from a scheduling perspective further into the flight test and certification programme of the 7000,” Masluch said. “Throughout the [Global 7000] certification campaign, we will look at pursuing the 8000.”