Special mission variants of Bombardier’s Global and Challenger families of business jets fly in formation. (Bombardier Defense)

Bombardier has launched a new maintenance offering for government and military operators of its Challenger- and Global-series business jets. The Smart Services Defense (SSD) programme provides cost-per-flight-hour coverage of airframe system components, landing gear overhaul, and options to meet customer needs, the company said in a 19 February statement.

The programme is intended for Bombardier Defense special mission, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), head of state, and government operators, offering customisation based on end-user capabilities, personnel, and infrastructure requirements, including the requirements of high-utilisation rates or unique operating profiles, the statement said.

There are around 500 specialised Bombardier Defense aircraft in service around the world, which have more than three million fleet hours with 160 operators in over 50 countries, according to the company.

The SSD programme is the latest in Bombardier’s cost-per-flight-hour offerings, which began around 35 years ago with its Smart Parts programme, Guillaume Landrivon, vice-president for Smart Services and Programs at Bombardier Aviation, told
Janes
on 5 March.