Presenting an innovative product offering: the premium pre-owned business jet
In July 2021, Bombardier launched its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) aircraft program, the first OEM refurbishment and upgrade offering for business jets. A new category of aircraft, these meticulously inspected and updated models feature refurbished interiors, fresh paint, upgraded avionics and connectivity systems, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, among their many enhancements.
“The program is an industry-first, offering everything that only the Manufacturer can offer,” emphasized Thomas Fissellier, Director, Pre-owned Aircraft Acquisition & Sales Support. “This is not simply a standalone modification package. It’s a comprehensive inspection that is OEM backed and upgraded to a ‘like-new’ condition.”
That’s a message buyers and the industry have quickly come to understand. Less than two years after its debut, Bombardier’s Certified Pre-Owned aircraft have established a premium category in the pre-owned business jet market, and a new class of Global, Challenger, and Learjet aircraft.
A Customer-driven offering
CPO, like many major Bombardier initiatives, is an outgrowth of the company’s close and ongoing relationship with its customers—buyers of its new production aircraft, as well those purchasing pre-owned aircraft that the company has taken in trade.
Discussions with both groups revealed a surprising fact: “Our customers wanted an option beyond the traditional pre-owned aircraft offering,” said Fissellier. “And as the OEM, we’re in the best position to create a new value proposition based not only on best-in-class product, but also on a turnkey service, a totally new category within the pre-owned market.”
But first, Bombardier had to determine “what a pre-owned customer expects from such a premium product,” he said. Research and analysis identified five key elements these buyers sought: a “like-new” experience; future-proofed product; peace of mind when purchasing; a turnkey solution when operating; and OEM-style transaction exclusivity.
These five attributes became the program’s foundational pillars, and Bombardier set about creating an offering that would answer each of the demands while offering peace of mind. A thumbnail summary highlights how the five-point upgrade plan they developed meets these customer expectations, and the enhancements that make Bombardier Certified Pre-Owned aircraft so unique:
- A new, modern interior and new paint provide the “like-new” experience
- The latest avionics and connectivity solutions ensure the aircraft are future-proofed
- A one-year OEM warranty and the opportunity of enrolling in Bombardier’s Smart Parts coverage
- All maintenance items and selected recommended service bulletins completed equals a turnkey solution.
- The industry’s only comprehensive OEM upgrade program defines pre-owned exclusivity
A Unique Value Proposition
The details behind these five essential benefits underscore the industry-leading value proposition CPO represents. First, to deliver the “like new” experience. Bombardier's team can change soft goods - such as carpets, and window shades, says Fissellier. "We reupholster seats and re-veneer cabinetry and replace the metal inlays from table legs and seatbelts, where necessary. We even paint the exterior Matterhorn white."
The future-proofed cockpits and cabins incorporate digital avionics and upgraded connectivity systems. Up front, the panels of Certified Pre-Owned Challengers are equipped with a Collins ProLine 21 Advanced avionics suite, with FANS1A upgrade. Certified Pre-Owned Global-series aircraft incorporate the DU875 Primus Elite avionics upgrade. For connectivity, the Challenger cabins feature GoGo L5 Avance, while Global aircraft receive Collins Aerospace Ka-Band systems for worldwide high-speed coverage.
Aircraft are fully mission-capable upon delivery, have engine and APU program coverage, and come with a one-year OEM warranty. And under the Bombardier Smart Parts coverage plan, they will offer purchasers a turnkey solution and peace of mind similar to buyers of the company’s new business jets.
Indeed, benefits and capabilities that only an OEM can offer make the Certified Pre-Owned acquisition and ownership experience an unparalleled value.
This includes the advantages of the company’s aftermarket expertise in refurbishment, maintenance and engineering, and even appraisals at Bombardier’s U.S. service centers. The CPO products are completed at these facilities in locations including Tucson, Arizona; Dallas, Texas, Miami, Florida, Wichita, Kansas; and Hartford, Connecticut.
A Certified Pre-Owned for Every Need
Bombardier’s Challengers, Globals and Learjets can all be inducted into the program, but Challenger 300s and 605s, and Global series aircraft, comprise the majority thus far, said Fissellier, who added, “Only the best aircraft are handpicked to become Bombardier Certified Pre-Owned.”
CPO has well-defined assessment procedures for evaluating candidate aircraft, including a thorough review of logbooks, maintenance and operational history, modifications and upgrades, and a Level 3 prepurchase inspection—among the industry’s most rigorous pre-buy examinations.
A Warm Welcome
In addition to offering a compelling package, CPO debuted at the perfect moment in the pre-owned market, Fissellier noted, compounding the allure of the premium platforms.
“Back in 2021, the demand for business aviation was outpacing the supply, pre-owned inventory levels were low and backlogs for new aircraft deliveries were high,” he said. “So, customers were looking for new ways to get access to business aviation.”
Response has been overwhelmingly positive. Several Certified Pre-Owned aircraft are currently in service, and they spend about 40 per cent less time on the market and command a premium over similar non-certified Bombardier models, according to the Montreal-based manufacturer. Additionally, said Fissellier, recognized appraisal authorities such as Aircraft Bluebook, Vref, and AircraftPost, now report CPO aircraft in a separate category from other pre-owned aircraft.
The CPO’s warm welcome extends to prospective buyers. A dedicated program web page features available Certified Pre-Owned aircraft with detailed spec sheets and brochures for each, making it easy to track inventory and contact program representatives. Bombardier has also created a quarterly market report with comprehensive pre-owned pricing and market information on every Bombardier out of production model in the fleet.
