Bombardier has inaugurated its expanded service centre at London Biggin Hill Airport in the UK. The newly enhanced London Biggin Hill Service Centre has grown to nearly 250,000ft² (approximately 23,225m²), adding new maintenance and modification capabilities and full-service interior finishing capacity for Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft.
The service centre is the largest tenant at the airport, offering complete heavy maintenance capabilities, wheel and battery shops, a component paint shop and 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 when it enters 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.”
The London Biggin Hill Service Centre was originally inaugurated in 2017. This expansion will bring the facility’s workforce to more than 250 employees, with the expectation to grow this number.
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.
“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 said its focus on an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is an essential part of the newly transformed service facility. Key projects include the installation of solar panels and electrical charging stations on-site.
Bombardier also announced Jetex as its preferred FBO provider at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre. Jetex will offer customers concierge services on-site, extending Bombardier’s customer service offerings.
Bombardier said 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 programmes and has worked with UK training specialist Marshall Centre in the development of its 36-month programme.
