- BBGA Association Limited

Bombardier Achieves Regulatory Approvals for Installation of Smart Link Plus System on In-Service Challenger and Global Aircraft

Bombardier has achieved Transport Canada (TC), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Challenger and Global Smart Link Plus system installations
Challenger and Global aircraft operators can now book Smart Link Plus system installations across the entire Bombardier Service Centre network
Smart Link Plus system enables operators to make data-driven decisions in real time, maximizing operational efficiency

MONTREAL, April 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier today announced major advancements in its comprehensive *Smart Link Plus connected aircraft system with several key regulatory approvals. The company has recently achieved essential TC, EASA and FAA approvals for almost its entire fleet of Challenger and Global aircraft. With these approvals, operators of all in-service Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Challenger 3500, Challenger 605 and Challenger 650, as well as Global 5000, Global 6000, Global Express and Global XRS aircraft will be able to install the innovative Smart Link Plus aircraft health management system on their business jets.

Smart Link Plus is an advanced health monitoring system that collects crucial aircraft data, enabling flight and maintenance crews to quickly prioritize and proactively troubleshoot essential in-flight alerts, increasing an aircraft’s operational efficiency. Aircraft operators can effectively track, troubleshoot and dispatch a technician based on information received from the system, enabling them to make detailed maintenance decisions quickly and efficiently.

“The Smart Link Plus system is fundamentally changing the way Bombardier supports its customers,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket Services & Strategy, Bombardier. “With Smart Link Plus, customers can make concrete maintenance decisions in real time – significantly enhancing the efficiency of their operations.”

The Smart Link Plus connected aircraft system was first introduced on the Bombardier flagship Global 7500 aircraft and customers continue to benefit from its advanced data-driven capabilities. Now, a strong majority of current Global 7500 aircraft customers have enrolled in the Smart Link Plus service, and Bombardier has been gradually expanding the program to offer retrofit options to its in-service fleet of Challenger and Global aircraft. The Smart Link Plus system will also be installed on all new Global 8000 aircraft as a standard feature.

With Smart Link Plus, ground crews can also use the program’s remote parameter display to independently monitor an aircraft while in-flight to assist in finding the root cause of potential issues. While in-flight, the Smart Link Plus service automatically sends ground crews takeoff, landing and in-flight fault notifications together with contextual data, allowing the flight crew to focus on other tasks. Full flight data is automatically transmitted and accessible once the aircraft has landed. Access to full aircraft systems data provides additional information required to troubleshoot more complex faults.

Aircraft data is also displayed in an intuitive, user-friendly Bombardier application (myMaintenance App) and is available anytime, anywhere on any personal electronic device. Additionally, Bombardier’s 24/7 Customer Response Centre (CRC) and dedicated team of experts and specialists can support troubleshooting efforts using the myMaintenance App and mobilize additional support as required.

With the recent growth and comprehensive expansion of Bombardier’s worldwide Service Centre network, the introduction of several exciting new products and services, and the latest developments in the Smart Link Plus system, Bombardier continues to build on its commitment to provide customers with the best service experience in the industry today.

Bombardier is working to finalize all regulatory approvals for operators of Challenger 604 and Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft. Approvals are expected from late 2023 through early 2024.

About Bombardier

Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defense’s proven expertise. 

Headquartered in Greater Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia. 

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company’s plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.  

*Smart Link Plus is under development and subject to change. Certain conditions apply for Smart Link Plus program enrollment and to obtain the free Smart Link Plus box. Installation costs apply. For aircraft eligibility or other considerations, customers can contact Bombardier. Bombardier, Challenger, Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Challenger 650, Challenger 3500, Global, Global 5000, Global 5500, Global 6000, Global 6500, Global Express, Global XRS, Global 7500 and Global 8000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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