by Kerry Lynch
– July 6, 2021, 9:01 AM
Bombardier is hoping to provide options to potential customers through its Pre-owned Certified program as the market for available aircraft remains tight. (Photo: Bombardier)
Bombardier is rolling out a Certified Preowned aircraft program that will offer customers “meticulously selected, inspected, and updated” Learjet, Challenger, and Global jets, the Montreal-based manufacturer announced today. The program is designed to provide a “like new” experience for customers, including a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and operational support, it said.
Under the program, customers can sign up for alerts when an aircraft becomes available. Bombardier will refurbish and provide services to help the airplane retain its residual value. This includes ensuring that it is up to date with maintenance inspections, service bulletins, system upgrades, and enrollment in Bombardier’s Smart Parts program, as required. Other services range from a complimentary deep cleaning to refurbishment of the interior.
Bombardier said the program is needed because available inventory for younger aircraft continues to be constrained. “As life gradually begins to return to normal, the supply of business jets across the industry has been outpaced by demand,” said Chris Milligan, v-p of preowned aircraft services for Bombardier. “A Bombardier Certified Preowned aircraft provides buyers with the highest quality preowned product, equipped with the latest safety and cabin enhancements, while providing the new aircraft delivery experience customers are looking for.”
The program builds on Bombardier’s ongoing efforts to work with its customers on preowned aircraft, the company said. “We’ve been facilitating the sale of our customers’ preowned aircraft for more than 35 years. We have the knowledge and the expertise and creating a certified preowned aircraft program was the logical next step for us,” the company said.
Bombardier will offer aircraft acquired in trade, as well as seek available aircraft on the open market, it said, adding the program is limited to its own models. “This is a Bombardier initiative put in place to upgrade our current fleet in operation, thereby maintaining and increasing the overall residual value of all Bombardier aircraft,” the pure-play business jet company said, noting it has already delivered its first program aircraft. “Moreover, by diversifying our product offerings, we strengthen the connection with our customers and set the stage for long-term client retention.”
