Forever Visionary
With a heritage dating back to the very first business jet, Bombardier has at its core a forward looking, innovative spirit that is embodied by its people and the aircraft they have proudly manufactured, sold and supported with the expertise handed down over the last 50 years.
Bombardier spreads its wings
In 1942, Joseph Armand Bombardier created the snow mobile and started a company where entrepreneurial thinking, taking calculated risks and building exceptional products were at the core of everything it did.
In 1986, these values led to Bombardier’s venture into aerospace.
Over the next 13 years, Bombardier acquired established plane-makers, building the foundation for what the company is today, an industry leading aircraft manufacturer with the widest portfolio of business jets.
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Short Brothers:The very beginning of manned flight
Short Brothers is a pioneer of aviation, receiving a contract from the Wright Brothers in 1908 to manufacture the Wright Flyer. Short Brothers went on to manufacture military and commercial aircraft, like the Shorts 330 and Tucano, and distinguished itself as a manufacturer of advanced components.
Acquired by Bombardier in 1989, our Belfast facility in Northern Ireland sits within Bombardier’s Aerostructures and Engineering Services business segment, which specialises in the design and development of complex composite and metallic structures.
Belfast produces a variety of aircraft structures and components for our three families of business jets. These include fuselages, engine nacelles and wing components.
De Havilland : From the Chipmunk to the Global 7500
Founded in 1928 as a subsidiary of de Havilland Aircraft (UK), de Havilland Canada produced the Tiger Moth, today known as the D.H.82C, a post-second World War aircraft for training of Canadian airman.
In 1946, de Havilland’s first Canadian-designed aircraft, the DHC-1 Chipmunk took off on its inaugural flight, followed by a string of similarly-named aircraft like the Beaver, Otter, Caribou, Buffalo and Twin Otter.
In 1992, Bombardier acquired De Havilland. Today, Global 5000 and Global 6000 business jets are assembled at the Toronto site where aircraft have been built since 1929. It is fitting that a site with such a rich heritage be the one where our newest business jet, the Global 7500 aircraft, is being developed and manufactured.
Canadair : A world renowned Challenger
The first aircraft built by Canadair was the CL-1 flying boat – fitting, as Canadair went on to manufacture the distinctive yellow and red CL-215 and CL-415 water bombers that are the backbone of aerial firefighting. Canadair was also the company where the Challenger business jet was developed.
Bombardier acquired Canadair in 1986, launching it into business aviation with an aircraft that has gone on to set the standard in the industry.
The Challenger 650 business jet and its stablemate the Challenger 350 aircraft are the product of the strong heritage and the innovation that put them at the forefront of business aviation.
Learjet : The first business jet
In 1962, Bill Lear settled in Wichita, KS and began development of a light jet aimed at business travelers. The Learjet 23 took its maiden flight in 1963, and business aviation never looked back. Learjet Inc. was acquired by Bombardier in 1990 and soon after, the Learjet 31A and Learjet 60 aircraft went into development.
Today, Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is manufactured at the original Learjet site – a site that now has an expanded vocation as a premiere Service Centre and the base of operation for the Bombardier Flight Test Centre.
What makes Bombardier exceptional by design?
Visionary Heritage
Our 50 years of innovation have led us to see opportunities where others see limits. A rich history of ingenuity inspires us to relentlessly reinvent and refine every detail of our private aircraft. It’s just who we are.
We’re big on the little things
Every detail of a Bombardier aircraft is meticulously selected. Our expert engineering and superior craftsmanship allow you to experience productivity when you need it and comfort where you expect it. Nothing more and nothing less than what an exceptional private jet should be.
Exceptional from start to finish
When it’s this well thought-out, you don’t give it a second thought. Every element of your journey with us has been designed to flow seamlessly every step of the way.
Orchestrating every last detail are experts that translate your vision into business jets crafted uniquely to your specifications.
Thought leadership
Bombardier is committed to forward-thinking with the industry as a whole in mind. It is fundamental to our success.
Safety Standdown: Dedicated leadership in aviation safety
For more than 20 years, Bombardier Safety Standdown has offered knowledge-based human factors training, delivered by foremost experts to aviation professionals, regardless of the aircraft they operate. More than 9,100 people have attended this training since its inception in 1996. Endorsed by the NTSB, FAA and NBAA, we are proud to see our competitors attend these seminars because it is our belief that safer skies create a better industry for us all.
A Career at Bombardier
It takes a diverse, multidisciplinary team to get a business jet off the ground. From engineers to accountants and designers to skilled tradespeople, every member of our team plays an invaluable role.
We are always looking for extraordinary people to join our team.
Online Bombardier Merchandise Store
From aircraft models, office products, apparel and children’s gifts, the new online store has something for everyone, order your favourite Bombardier merchandise today.