Posted on June 6th, 2025
Bombardier Aerospace, a division of Canada-based Bombardier Inc., is one of the most respected names in the business and commercial aviation sectors. Headquartered in Dorval, Quebec, Bombardier specializes in the design, manufacture, and support of world-class aircraft, including some of the most recognized private jets in the industry today, such as the Learjet, Challenger, and Global families.
Although Bombardier’s roots trace back to snowmobile production in the 1930s, its strategic shift into aerospace began in the mid-1980s with the acquisition of struggling but iconic aviation brands. By acquiring companies such as Canadair, Short Brothers, and Learjet, Bombardier established itself as a diversified aerospace manufacturer with a global footprint.
Bombardier entered the aerospace industry in earnest with its acquisition of Canadair in 1986. This pivotal move brought with it a portfolio of aircraft platforms and the foundation for the Challenger series of business jets. Bombardier soon added other reputable firms to its holdings, including Short Brothers in Northern Ireland and the U.S.-based Learjet Corporation, further expanding its capacity and technical expertise.
By the 1990s, Bombardier Aerospace had become one of the world’s largest civil aircraft manufacturers. The company offered products in both the commercial regional jet segment and the private jet market, earning a reputation for engineering excellence, cabin comfort, and innovative design.
Facing a competitive global market, Bombardier undertook significant restructuring efforts in the 2010s. Under the leadership of Alain Bellemare, a former UTC Aerospace executive, Bombardier divested several non-core assets, including its regional jet program and transportation division, to focus exclusively on its core strength: business aviation.
These efforts resulted in a more focused portfolio centered on the Challenger and Global families—aircraft renowned for their long-range capabilities, advanced avionics, and luxurious cabins. The company discontinued the iconic Learjet line in 2021 as part of this realignment, cementing its status as a manufacturer of premium large-cabin business jets.
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Explore more options on our JetOptions Aircraft Charter Fleet page.
Today, Bombardier operates a global service and support network for its fleet, including maintenance, refurbishment, and pilot training services. Its customer service centers span North America, Europe, and Asia, supporting operators around the world. Bombardier’s continued investments in innovation, sustainability, and cabin technology position it as a key player in the future of business aviation.
Bombardier jets are renowned for their comfort, performance, and luxury. Whether you’re flying coast-to-coast in a Challenger 350 or traveling nonstop from New York to Tokyo aboard a Global 7500, these aircraft deliver unmatched efficiency and elegance. With state-of-the-art flight decks, ultra-quiet cabins, and flexible configurations, Bombardier jets are built to meet the highest standards of private aviation.
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In 1996, Bombardier test flew the Global Express, the first plane branded under the Global name. It shared the exact cabin dimensions as the Challenger models but had a completely new wing and tail design. The Global Express became a famous aircraft, and Bombardier expanded its product range to include the Global 5000. The 6,000-nm-long plane was a huge success, and its successor, the Global 7500, entered service in 2018.
Bombardier focuses on selling and designing regional airliners and business jets. It also creates and manufactures airframe components and defense products. The company’s aeronautics portfolio includes:
Bombardier Aerospace, the aircraft company, is a division of Bombardier Inc. and is the third-largest airplane manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing.