24 October 2019:Bombardier has signed a Preferred Service Provider (PSP) agreement with GE Aviation. GE will power Bombardier's cockpit and cabin connectivity solutions - including new, curated, service bundles that will simplify the selection of cockpit and cabin services with tip-to-tail solutions for new and in-service aircraft.
This agreement is a first step toward the launch of Bombardier's comprehensive Smart Link Plus connected aircraft programme.
Smart Link Plus which is launching in the second half of 2020 will help Bombardier customers drive operations and maintenance decisions by leveraging fleet-wide data.
GE Aviation has been working closely with Bombardier on the development of the Smart Link Plus box - a Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) "smart" box capable of generating key data for customers, enabling them to increase operational efficiency, and minimise return-to-service times through data-driven decisions.
Eligible Challenger and Global customers will get this HMU "brain" free-of-charge.* The smart box, at the heart of the programme, will provide aircraft data to Bombardier's digital platform where it will be analysed and transferred into actionable insights, drawing on Bombardier's aircraft expertise and leveraging the power of the entire connected fleet.
Smart Link Plus generated insights will empower flight operations and maintenance teams to more efficiently dispatch, troubleshoot and track aircraft service needs. The free-of-charge Smart Link Plus box* will be ready for installation on new and in-service aircraft at all Bombardier service centres.
The smart box technology was first introduced on the flagship Global 7500 aircraft and will now be adapted for eligible Challenger and other Global aircraft programs, further maximising the Bombardier in-service experience.
"Bombardier business jet customers expect and deserve the latest and greatest technology advancements available and we are continuing to deliver a high level of sophistication," said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Experience, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Our new Smart Link Plus connected aircraft program will create fully connected aircraft, enabling customers to access key data and insights to help with decision-making and flight operations. We are excited to announce this for our in-service fleet as well as new aircraft. Coupled with our extensive global infrastructure expansion, this digital transformation is the next step in dramatically enhancing Bombardier's customer service experience worldwide."
"This new relationship with Bombardier will help streamline customer service relationships by offering integrated connectivity service offerings and customer support," said Andrew Coleman, Senior VP, Digital Solutions of GE Aviation. "We are honoured to be the preferred partner of Bombardier to create advanced technologies to help connect the aircraft with flight operations and improve overall efficiencies and capabilities. Our work is centered around delighting our customers and delivering industry-leading levels of service."