Bombardier launches fixed-price maintenance offering for defence customers

Bombardier has unveiled its Smart Services Defense programme to provide fixed cost-per-flight-hour support for its Challenger and Global families of business jets. Above is a computer-generated image of Bombardier's Global business jet family. (Bombardier)

Bombardier has launched a new maintenance offering for government and military operators of its Challenger- and Global-series business jets. The Smart Services Defense (SSD) programme provides cost-per-flight-hour coverage of airframe system components, landing gear overhaul, and options to meet customer needs, the company said in a 19 February statement.

The programme is intended for Bombardier Defense special mission, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), head of state, and government operators, offering customisation based on end-user capabilities, personnel, and infrastructure requirements, including the requirements of high-utilisation rates or unique operating profiles, the statement said.

There are around 500 specialised Bombardier Defense aircraft in service around the world, which have more than three million fleet hours with 160 operators in over 50 countries, according to the company.

The SSD programme is the latest in Bombardier's cost-per-flight-hour offerings, which began around 35 years ago with its Smart Parts programme, Guillaume Landrivon, vice-president for Smart Services and Programs at Bombardier Aviation, told Janes on 5 March.

In 2023 Bombardier established a formal defence division to support defence and government customers, with offerings optimised for their needs, Landrivon said. While VIP aircraft might tally 400 flight hours annually, defence customers can fly up to 3,000 hours a year, requiring a different maintenance programme.

SSD is designed to provide predictable costs, Landrivon said. It guarantees a cost per flight hour based on a customer's annual activities. This figure is fixed for the duration of the contract with a fixed annual escalation.