Bombardier boosts Amsterdam’s aerospace hub
Bombardier Aerospace - the world’s third-largest civil aircraft manufacturer - has selected the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area as the location for a new European Service Centre.
New Schiphol base from next year
Bombardier will commence operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at the beginning of 2010. The initial 50 employees will potentially grow to a workforce of 170 within three years.
From this location the company will service its entire European business jet fleet, comprising more than 400 planes, including Bombardier’s Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft families.
Lease of hangar just the start
Bombardier has signed a three-year contract with Martinair for the sublease of Hangar 4 (approximately 9,000 m2, this includes 4,240m2 hangar space) at Schiphol-East.
It has also signed a Letter of Intent with Schiphol Real Estate for the development of a custom-designed, dedicated Bombardier centre at Schiphol Aerospace Exchange in Schiphol-East, to be completed in 2012.
Strategically located in Europe
“After a long and thorough decision-making process, looking at 40 different airports in Europe, we have opted for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as the European base for our customer service centre,” said Michael McQuay, President of Bombardier Aircraft Service Centres. “Schiphol is one of the best European airports and is strategically located in Europe.”
Good support from area agencies
McQuay said the support received from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, Schiphol Group, Schiphol Area Development Company and other government parties like the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, City of Amsterdam and the Province of Noord-Holland made the decision-making process much easier.
Bombardier arrival asset to region
The establishment of Bombardier Aerospace at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an asset for the entire region, said Arthur van Dijk, Deputy Mayor of Haarlemmermeer, the municipality which includes Schiphol.
“This decision in difficult economic times will give the region a dynamic economic boost and will further strengthen the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area as a major European aerospace hub,’’ he added.
Active in 60 countries
Headquartered in Montréal, Canada and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Bombardier has a presence in more than 60 countries on five continents and operates two industry-leading businesses: aerospace and rail transportation.
More than 30,000 employees work for the aerospace division, which in its last fiscal year it posted revenues of $19.7 billion.
Related topics
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport wins 'Leading Edge Award'
