World-leading manufacturer to provide business jet transport, intellectual and financial support
Bombardier Inc. announced today that it has further strengthened its partnership with the World Economic Forum, by becoming an official Meeting Supporter and the exclusive business jet transportation provider for upcoming World Economic Forum events in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Under this agreement, Bombardier will become an even more active participant in upcoming World Economic Forum events, providing greater levels of intellectual contribution, industry expertise and executive participation. In addition, it will also provide event delegates access to the Bombardier Flexjet® Europe service in order to arrange their business jet flights to and from upcoming World Economic Forum events.
World Economic Forum events in which Bombardier will be directly involved include the Extraordinary Annual Meeting 2003 to be held in Jordan on June 21-23; the Russia Meeting 2003, to be held on October 2-3; the European Competitiveness Summit, to be held in Dublin on October 20-21; the India Economic Summit to be held in New Delhi on November 23-25; and the Annual Meeting 2004, to be held in Davos, Switzerland on January 20-25, 2004.
“We are delighted by this milestone agreement, as it further strengthens our association with the World Economic Forum,” stated Robert Greenhill, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier International, “and are proud of the growing role Bombardier will be playing in helping bring together the world’s leading business, political, religious, and academic decision-makers to discuss key international issues,” said Mr. Greenhill.
This is the latest phase in Bombardier’s growing relationship with the World Economic Forum. In January of this year, the company was the official business jet travel provider and a Meeting Partner at the World Economic Forum’s 2003 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. It was also a Summit Partner of the Forum’s China Business Summit 2002.
As a result of this agreement, participants at World Economic Forum events will benefit from guaranteed 24-7 access to a fleet of over 50 Bombardier business jets across Europe. Aircraft available include the Bombardier Learjet® 31A, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, Challenger® 604, as well as other business jet models offered by Bombardier Aerospace.
“Flying by business jet presents many advantages to delegates including less exposure to increasingly crowded skies and airports, enhanced safety and security, access to remote locations, as well as precious time-savings – all of which are becoming increasingly important to the world’s top business leaders,” stated Dan Maiden, managing director, Bombardier Flexjet Europe.
In addition to offering business jet transportation solutions, Bombardier will also actively participate in World Economic Forum sessions, providing knowledge on topics such as the role of aviation in economic development as well as international transportation issues.
Bombardier Flexjet Europe
Launched in February 2002 to meet the specific needs of European travellers, Bombardier Flexjet Europe’s Jet Membership programme offers customized business jet travel on Europe’s largest, youngest and most modern fleet of aircraft. Unlike fractional ownership programmes, it is based on the purchase of annual flying hours, can be treated as a travel expense and involves a minimum level of commitment (customers are free to exit with as little as three months notice after the first year of flying).
Unlike other programmes in Europe, Jet Membership customers do not specify an aircraft type or particular trip programme when they join. Customers contact Flexjet Europe’s Member Services team whenever they want to fly, specify their trip requirements and preferences, and Bombardier tailors their journey to suit their needs. Each trip is thereby customized to their flying requirements through a single phone call. Customers can also fly outside of Europe through Bombardier Flexjet’s North American and Asia-Pacific programmes.
The World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world. As a multi-stakeholder platform, the Forum provides a collaborative framework for the world's leaders to address global issues, engaging particularly its corporate members in global citizenship. Incorporated as a foundation, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
® Registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc.
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Paris Chalet: 011 33 1 4157 6016
Alec McRitchie
Bombardier Aerospace
Paris Chalet: 011 33 1 4157 6016
Note to Editor:
For more information on the World Economic Forum visit: www.weforum.org