Bombardier Marks 40 Years of Smart Services as Aircraft Maintenance Programs Reach 11 Million Flight Hours

The business jet maker celebrates a four-decade support milestone at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, with more than 1,500 aircraft enrolled in flight-hour-based maintenance plans.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bombardier is marking 40 years since the launch of its Smart Parts cost-per-flight-hour program in 1986.
• More than 1,500 Bombardier aircraft are enrolled in Smart Services, representing over 11 million flight hours.
• Smart Services Elite and Smart Services Defense provide differentiated maintenance support coverage.
• The anniversary is being celebrated at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas on October 21, 2026.

Four decades after introducing a flight-hour-based parts coverage program, Bombardier is marking a milestone in its aircraft support business at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. Its Smart Services portfolio now covers more than 1,500 enrolled aircraft, which together account for more than 11 million flight hours, according to figures released by the Canadian manufacturer on October 21.

The anniversary puts a spotlight on an increasingly consequential part of business aircraft ownership: managing maintenance spending over years of operation, rather than treating individual repair and component costs as unpredictable expenses. Bombardier’s programs use a cost-per-flight-hour model intended to help operators plan expenditure on specified aircraft systems and services.

From Smart Parts in 1986 to a broader maintenance portfolio

The company’s approach dates to Smart Parts, launched in 1986 as an early cost-per-flight-hour offering covering airframe system components. The original focus on parts has since expanded into the Smart Services range, with coverage that can include component exchanges, avionics, tires, brakes and corrosion protection, depending on the program.

Beyond cost coverage, Bombardier says each participating customer receives a dedicated account manager to help navigate program provisions and support requirements. That combination is particularly relevant to fleet operators, for whom aircraft availability and the ability to forecast maintenance outlays are central operating considerations.

“For 40 years, Smart Services have helped redefine what customers expect from aircraft support by delivering predictable maintenance costs and a premium ownership experience,” said Bill Molloy, Bombardier’s Vice-President, Aftermarket Sales, Defense & Parts. He said the company intends to keep developing the programs as customer requirements change.

Expanded coverage for private and government operators

Smart Services Elite extends the conventional portfolio with provisions for scheduled and unscheduled aircraft systems, landing gear overhauls, parts shipping, technical publications and support, and certain Mobile Response Team costs. Bombardier also describes a flight-hour rate guaranteed for the contract term, subject to annual adjustments; the actual scope and conditions remain important considerations for customers evaluating coverage.

Smart Services Defense adapts the flight-hour-based approach for defense customers, reflecting the different support requirements of government and military aircraft operations. Bombardier positions the two offerings as part of a wider effort to integrate technical assistance, component support and maintenance cost planning over an aircraft’s operating life.

The manufacturer also pointed to its recent performance in industry product-support surveys, citing three consecutive years of top rankings in Aviation International News and two in Professional Pilot. Those results were presented by Bombardier as evidence of customer satisfaction with its broader aftermarket services.

Anniversary marked at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas

Bombardier scheduled a customer and stakeholder gathering for the evening of October 21 during NBAA-BACE 2026, which runs from October 20 to 22 in Las Vegas. The convention brings aircraft manufacturers, operators and service providers together, providing a setting for discussions about aircraft support alongside new products and technology.

The anniversary comes as Bombardier continues to develop its aftermarket network. The company reports a worldwide operational fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft and 10 service facilities across six countries. Its aircraft are manufactured through facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Further information about the company’s aircraft and support operations is available through Bombardier. Details of the anniversary were published in its October 21 announcement.