Month: November 2022

Bombardier Inaugurates Expanded London Biggin Hill Service Centre, the Largest Business Jet Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility in the UK

Canadian Aviation News
  • Enhancement brings a suite of new amenities to the facility, including heavy maintenance and modification capabilities, wheel and battery shops and on-site interiors
  • Expansion has more than doubled Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre footprint to nearly 250,000 square feet
  • Spacious new hangar features 22 service bays, capable of accommodating up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft at the same time

LONDON, Nov. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier today announced the inauguration of its expanded London Biggin Hill Service Centre, the latest addition to the company’s extensive and growing worldwide customer service network. Located at the bustling London Biggin Hill Airport, the newly enhanced London Biggin Hill Service Centre has grown to nearly 250,000 square feet (approximately 23,225 square metres), adding a suite of new maintenance and modification capabilities and full-service interior finishing capacity for its family of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.

With its new, sought-after service capabilities and additional hangar space, Bombardier’s gleaming service centre – the largest business jet MRO facility in the UK – is the perfect oasis for customers of the OEM’s growing fleet of business jets. Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre is the largest tenant at the London Biggin Hill Airport, providing customers with complete heavy maintenance capabilities, wheel and battery shops, a component paint shop and much more. The new hangar has transformed from eight to 22 service bays, increasing on-site capacity to accommodate a wide array of aircraft, including up to 14 Global 7500 aircraft at one time – as well as Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000 business jet when it enters into service in 2025.

“With the expansion of the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, we are taking another step in showcasing our unwavering commitment to our European customers with industry-leading services on a global scale – OEM expertise that customers demand and expect from Bombardier,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy. “The European market is a very important one for Bombardier and this expansion perfectly underscores our ongoing commitment to the region, allowing us to be closer to our customers and offering them even more world-class services and support.”

Originally inaugurated in 2017, the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, provides a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services. This expansion will bring the facility’s workforce to more than 250 employees, with the expectation to grow this number given increasing demand for support.

And as one of the busiest business aviation airports in the UK in terms of aircraft movements, London Biggin Hill Airport is home to more than 70 aerospace companies and boasts more than 1,300 jobs. Over the past number of years, Bombardier has developed a successful collaboration with the airport, which has helped boost local employment and increase supply chain activities.

“London Biggin Hill Airport is in a strategic location for business aviation operators – and we are thrilled that Bombardier is committed to its long-term relationship here,” said Robert Walters, Commercial Director of Biggin Hill Airport. “Bombardier has been a tremendous collaborator and we will continue to work closely together as a leading centre for aviation technology and innovation and as a catalyst for business aviation growth in the region.”

Bombardier’s focus on an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is also an essential part of the newly transformed service facility. Key projects include the installation of solar panels and electrical charging stations on site, building on Bombardier’s commitment to reduce its environmental footprint.

Bombardier is also pleased to announce JETEX as its preferred FBO provider at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre. JETEX will offer customers concierge services onsite, extending Bombardier’s customer service offerings.

Creating a solid aerospace pipeline in the region to foster the development of highly skilled technicians at the site is also paramount in the creation of this project. Bombardier has a deep history with apprenticeship programs and has worked with UK training leader Marshall Centre in the development of its thorough, 36-month program, providing an important conduit for impactful, high-paying aerospace jobs in the region.

The expansion of the London Biggin Hill Service Centre – in concert with new facilities in Miami, Florida and Melbourne, Australia and the expansion of its service centre in Singapore – continues to underscore Bombardier’s comprehensive global commitment in providing the best customer service experience in business aviation today.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in special-mission roles.

Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Learjet, Challenger, Global, Global 7500 and Global 8000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

TSB Investigation Report: Fatal collision with communication tower at the Sandy Lake Water Aerodrome, ON

Canadian Aviation News

Winnipeg, Manitoba, 29 November 2022 â€” Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (A22C0035) into the 26 May 2022 collision with a communication tower involving a Cessna U206G aircraft at the Sandy Lake Water Aerodrome, ON.

The TSB conducted a limited-scope, class 4 investigation into this occurrence to advance transportation safety through greater awareness of potential safety issues. See the Policy on Occurrence Classification for more information.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

Collision with obstacle on approach
Sandy Lake Seaplane Service Ltd.
Cessna U206G, C-GBGJ
Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario
26 May 2022

History of the flight

At 1545Footnote1 on 26 May 2022, the Sandy Lake Seaplane Service Ltd. float-equipped Cessna U206G aircraft (registration C-GBGJ, serial number U20605249) departed Sandy Lake Water Aerodrome (CKE5), Ontario, for a personal flightFootnote2 to an unnamed lake located 41 nautical miles (NM) north-northeast of CKE5. The purpose of the flight was to bring boat fuel and groceries to the pilot’s cabin located at the unnamed lake. The weather was suitable for the visual flight rules flight, with nearby weather stations reporting winds generally at 10 knots or less, visibility 9 statute miles, and scattered clouds above 5500 feet above ground level (AGL).

At approximately 1830, the aircraft departed the unnamed lake for the return flight to CKE5. As the aircraft approached CKE5, the pilot transmitted position reports on the aerodrome traffic frequency. At 1853, when the aircraft was flying over the community of Sandy Lake First Nation on final approach for a south-southwest direction landing at CKE5, it struck a 132-foot-tall communications tower located at the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Sandy Lake First Nation detachment. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain and a post-impact fire ensued. The pilot was fatally injured.

The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated as a result of the impact and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario, received the signal at 1854. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Sandy Lake First Nation Fire Department responded to the scene.

Wreckage and impact information

During approach for landing on the lake, the occurrence aircraft struck the communications tower and then descended through a set of hydro lines before colliding with trees in a wooded area. The wreckage came to rest approximately 280 feet from the base of the communications tower. Approximately 80% of the airframe was consumed by the post-impact fire.

Damage to the propeller was indicative of contact with a metal object, suggesting that the propeller was rotating and the engine was producing power when the communications tower was struck. Antenna pieces found near the communications tower exhibited damage consistent with shear. This indicates that the aircraft hit the tower at approximately 126 feet AGL and laterally centered on the aircraft; in line with the propeller.

A portion of the right wing—near the wing tip and including the aileron—was found hanging from the hydro line. Damage to the wing tip was indicative of shear from the collision with the hydro line.

An inspection of all flight control cables did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies. Inspections of both control wheels and columns were inconclusive due to fire damage. Examination of the flap actuator jackscrew extension suggests a flap setting of approximately 24° at the time of impact; however, inspection of the flap system for continuity was also inconclusive due to fire damage.

The 406 MHz ELT emitted a signal before it was destroyed in the fire.

More on the report…

NetJets Becomes Fleet Launch Customer for Bombardier’s Global 8000 Jet with Firm Order for Four Aircraft and Conversion of Eight Existing Orders

Canadian Aviation News
  • New firm order for four Global 8000 aircraft valued at $312 million dollars based on 2022 list prices
  • NetJets will operate a fleet of 24 Global 8000 aircraft, which includes the new firm order for four Global 8000 jets; eight conversions of Bombardier aircraft previously ordered; and aircraft already on order or in service
  • Bombardier’s new Global 8000 aircraft stands alone as the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet, crafted with the industry’s smoothest ride, largest cabin, lowest cabin altitude and a top speed of Mach 0.94
netjet

Bombardier announced today that NetJets, its long-time valued customer and a world leader in private aviation, will become the fleet launch customer for the Global 8000 aircraft. Adding to its already massive global fleet of more than 850 aircraft (and still growing), NetJets has placed a new firm order for four Global 8000 aircraft, valued at $312 million dollars and converted eight existing orders for Bombardier products. This transaction adds to Global 7500 aircraft already on order and in service. NetJets will build a 24-strong fleet of the performance leading Global 8000 aircraft, as they will also be working with Bombardier to upgrade the entire in-service Global 7500 fleet to Global 8000 jets when they begin taking delivery of its new flagship aircraft. NetJets could subsequently grow its fleet—the world’s largest, most diverse fleet in private aircraft—through a series of options that could be exercised progressively over the coming years.

Introduced earlier this year at EBACE in Geneva, Bombardier’s flagship for a new era features an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and an unbeaten top speed of Mach 0.94. This ultimate all-in-one business aircraft will offer NetJets Owners a unique blend of outstanding performance, the smoothest ride, and an exceptional passenger experience focused on uncompromising safety and service standards that only NetJets can provide.

“The new Global 8000 aircraft is the ultimate solution for NetJets’ discerning Owners, offering a truly seamless private aviation experience,” said Eric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “NetJets’ experience and expertise make them the ideal partner to unlock the full potential of this revolutionary Mach 0.94 business jet in a large fleet context. Our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, and we are proud to share this historic milestone together.”

“The new Global 8000 will help us to continue offering our Owners, specifically our international travelers, the pinnacle in unforgettably personalized experiences aboard the finest ultra-long-range aircraft available,” said Patrick Gallagher, NetJets’ President of Sales, Marketing, and Service. “With inventory sold out through 2023 in the U.S., we are continuing to invest in further expansion for prospective Owners in North America and across the globe. In fact, by the end of 2023, we are proud to share that our worldwide fleet will be approximately 30% larger than it was in the beginning of 2022.”

The discerning Global 8000 business jet features the most generous cabin size in the industry, with the lowest cabin altitude in its class of 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 ft. It is also equipped with Bombardier PĹ©r Air and advanced HEPA filter technology for the fastest fresh air replacement.

The Global 8000 aircraft delivers when it comes to in-flight experience. The cabin incorporates the revolutionary features introduced on the Global 7500 aircraft that dramatically improve passenger comfort. The aircraft also features the innovative Nuage seat, with the first-ever zero gravity position in a business jet, allowing NetJets Owners to arrive at their destinations revitalized and refreshed.

An exemplary commitment to detail is assured on the new Global 8000 aircraft, including an available Principal Suite with a full-size bed. Revolutionary cabin entertainment control and connectivity, the intuitive nice Touch CMS and OLED touch dial, Bombardier’s l’OpĂ©ra directional audio sound system and available 4K monitor, also ensure passengers will receive an unrivalled cabin experience.

Performance-wise, the new Global 8000 aircraft can efficiently transport NetJets Owners to a wide variety of destinations both faster and farther than ever before. With its exceptional class-leading range and short-field performance, even more exclusive city pairs are now achievable, including Dubai-Houston, Singapore-Los Angeles, London-Perth, and many others.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in special-mission roles.

Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

About NetJets Inc.

Originally incorporated in 1964 as Executive Jet Airways, NetJets Inc. has been setting—and exceeding—industry standards for nearly 60 years. Today, NetJets Inc. is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company known for its unwavering commitment to safety and service. It encompasses NetJets, Executive Jet Management, QS Partners, and QS Security and offers a variety of travel solutions customized to fit each Owner’s needs. These include shared ownership, lease and jet card options, aircraft management, private jet chartering, brokerage and acquisition services, and specialized security services. This is why so many of the world’s most discerning travelers choose NetJets Inc. generation after generation. It is also because NetJets has the largest, most diverse private jet fleet in the world, which grants anytime access to even the most remote destinations across the globe. To learn more about the leader in private aviation, visit netjets.com today.

Bombardier, Global, Global 7500, Global 8000, Bombardier’s l’OpĂ©ra, Nuage and Bombardier PĹ©r Air are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.