* New OceanAir authorized service facility to provide turnkey service
* Bombardier to increase parts availability in the region
Bombardier Aerospace today announced it has appointed OceanAir as an Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Bombardier Learjet aircraft. The service facility, approved by the Brazilian Department of Civil Aviation (DAC), is scheduled to begin operations in spring 2005. In addition, Bombardier is also planning to significantly increase spare parts availability in the region by the fourth quarter of 2005. Both initiatives are part of a targeted program to improve customer service and access to critical spare parts throughout the region.
Located at São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, OceanAir will offer a full spectrum of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, maintain an inventory of key spare parts, and perform warranty services for the region's growing number of Bombardier Learjet operators.
"These are key steps to enhancing service and access to a ready supply of critical parts for Brazilian customers and operators across South America," said Fabio Rebello, regional vice-president, sales, Latin America, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "OceanAir, together with the increased parts supply, will ensure customers have convenient access to the highest quality service and essential spare parts and components when and where they need them."
Bombardier's relationship with OceanAir dates back to 2003 when the airline operator created a new company - OceanAir Taxi Aero Ltda. - which was named the exclusive new aircraft sales representative for Bombardier business jets in Brazil. OceanAir joins two Bombardier factory-owned service centers in Wichita and Fort Lauderdale to provide DAC-approved service for its Brazilian operators.
"OceanAir is committed to providing our Brazilian customers with superior quality maintenance and rapid turn around time," said José Eduardo Brandão, general director, OceanAir. "And to punctuate our commitment, OceanAir will provide the complete maintenance and warranty package for the next three Special Edition Learjet 60 aircraft sold this year in Latin America at no extra charge."
The complete maintenance and warranty package, featuring comprehensive maintenance, warranty and training extended over five years, at no additional cost, is part of the Bombardier Special Edition Learjet 60 incentive program valued at more than $1 million U.S.
OceanAir is the fifth facility added to Bombardier's business aircraft service network since October 2004, including centers and line stations in Detroit, Michigan; Teterboro, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; and Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Bombardier Business Aircraft continues to drive the expansion of its worldwide global service and maintenance footprint. The rapidly expanding service network, offering Bombardier quality service with faster turn around times, now include:
* eight Bombardier-owned facilities in the U.S., operating around the clock;
* twenty-eight independent Authorized Service Facilities (ASF) around the globe; and
* two Bombardier-operated joint ventures in Berlin and Dubai.
Bombardier currently has the second largest installed base of business aircraft in Brazil, with 75 aircraft.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004 were $15.5 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto stock exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, media relations
Cell: 55-11-9119-2762
Leo.Knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com