Bombardier Aerospace today officially inaugurated a new £1.5 million repair and maintenance facility in Belfast, part of its plans to expand and develop its customer support operations in Northern Ireland.
The 50,000 square feet facility, located in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, will carry out all Bombardier contracts for the maintenance and repair of engine nacelles.
In addition to the design and production of major aerostructures, Bombardier’s Belfast facility also provides product support to airlines which have Belfast designed-and-built nacelles. Emirates, UPS, British Airways, BMI, and Icelandair are among the range of major airline operators supported by the repair facility. Recent contracts won include those with Continental Airlines and Cathay Pacific for the maintenance and repair of engine nose cowls.
Speaking at the official opening of the new repair facility, Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace, said: “Providing an Amazing Customer Experience includes providing world class customer support and aftermarket services. As the world fleet grows, so does the demand for these services and no one is in a better position than us to serve our customers and capture this growing business. This investment also reinforces Bombardier’s commitment to Belfast and to the continued development of the site’s capabilities and its people. Since 1989 we have invested some £1.2 billion in plant, machinery, product development and training at our Northern Ireland facilities.”
Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: “Our customer support business has grown significantly in recent years. The repair station expansion, along with our enhanced capabilities in aftermarket services, will ensure we are ready to respond to the increasing demand and will help us further improve customer satisfaction while growing this part of our business.”
Over the past year, Bombardier has been working to extend its repair and maintenance capabilities at its Belfast operation, and was recently granted approval by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to carry out specialised non-destructive testing on aircraft components. This specialized repair work will also be carried out in the new repair and maintenance facility.
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, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For information
Alec McRitchie
Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast
+44 (0)28 9073 3515