MEBAA: Bombardier aftermarket investment for UAE

Bombardier announced a new major investment for customer support in the UAE at MEBAA yesterday.

The Canadian OEM announced the official ground-breaking of a new service centre to be built at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Bombardier has been operating a line maintenance centre in Dubai for the past two years but, with the growth in the region, has now opted to build its first full-service facility in the region.

At full capacity, the facility will add more than 100 aerospace jobs in the community and is targeted to open in 2025.

It will feature a large hangar, comprehensive parts depot and a complete suite of maintenance services, including scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, aircraft modifications, paint modification, aircraft-on-ground (AOG) capabilities, and aircraft parking services.

Speaking at the show yesterday, Chris Debergh, Bombardier’s vice president and general manager parts and services, said the Dubai line station had seen increased business as the number of approvals had grown. “But for the heavies, they have been going to Europe, Singapore of even the US. Now Abu Dhabi will be able to take up that work.”

The new facility will fit up to four Global 7500 aircraft – and will also be able to service the Bombardier flagship of a new era, the Global 8000, when it enters service in 2025.

“The Middle East is an important market for Bombardier with more than 150 aircraft, and we are pleased to be establishing a highly efficient facility in the UAE for our customers in the market – and for those visiting from around the world,” said Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier.

“Abu Dhabi is a dynamic financial hub for business and commerce in the UAE, and this service facility will provide significant benefits, quick aircraft turnarounds, and OEM peace of mind to our growing customer base. We are also thrilled to be providing new, high-paying aerospace jobs in the community.”