Story ID: 753 Wichita Service Center
Bombardier Expanding Services Capabilities in Wichita
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Rolls-Royce authorization comes as Bombardier shifts more Global work to Wichita.
Word Count: 308
Bombardier Business Aircraft’s service center in Wichita, Kan., was recognized as an authorized service center on Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. The authorization comes as Bombardier has shifted more Global maintenance to Wichita and positions the company to provide both airframe and engine services on the Global lines. 
  
 Bombardier in the spring added 38,000 square feet of hangar space to the Wichita center, increasing its total square footage to 113,00 square meters. Stan Younger, vice president, aircraft service centers for Bombardier Business Aircraft, said the company has invested significantly in parts and tool to add the capabilities to the cited.
  
“Expanding our worldwide network’s support capabilities is one of our top priorities,” Younger said, adding, “Our goal is to provide operators with the ability to receive the best maintenance whenever and wherever they need it.”
  
 With the latest authorization, all of the Bombardier Business Aircraft Service Centers have obtained Rolls-Royce authorization. Customers at the centers have direct access to Rolls-Royce technical service representatives, along with Rolls-Royce’s online portal for support and technical troubleshooting. Having the BR710 maintenance capability in Wichita, “strategically is very important to us,” added Andrew Robinson, senior v-p, services and customer support, adding it more closely aligns the maintenance with the OEM.
  
 Younger noted that since the shift of the maintenance, “the take rate has been phenomenal” and the authorization provides a more “tip-to-tail” approach. Among the work shifted there is for NetJets Global maintenance, Younger said, noting the Wichita center provides a “central location,” for the fractional ownership provider.
  
 The shift also comes as Bombardier rationalizes its facilities in Wichita, particularly as canceled its Learjet 85 development. The company has evaluated how best to leverage its recourses and talent pool at the location. The Wichita’s service center now has a staff of nearly 250.