Bombardier's CSeries aircraft takes off for its first test flight in Mirabel, Quebec, September 16, 2013. Bombardier Inc's CSeries jetliner took flight for the first time early on Monday, the culmination of a $3.4 billion development program sho
Bombardier's CSeries aircraft takes off for its first test flight in Mirabel, Quebec, September 16, 2013. Bombardier Inc's CSeries jetliner took flight for the first time early on Monday, the culmination of a $3.4 billion development program showcasing the first all-new designed narrow-body plane in its class in decades. Reuters/Christinne Muschi

Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier’s Business Aircraft division and aviation parts supplier GlobalParts.aero have sealed a strategic collaboration to ensure sustained supply of inventory and parts to the former’s Learjet 20, Learjet 30, and Learjet 50 series aircraft.

Kansas-based GlobalParts.aero is a leading aviation parts supplier. The deal entails Global Parts to be responsible for the planning, stocking and distribution of aircraft parts of Learjet aircraft, reports Aviation Pros.

Right company

“Given our diverse operator base, we were particularly committed to finding the right company to collaborate. With GlobalParts.aero’s proven track record of exceptional parts support, we are confident this strategic collaboration will enhance our customers’ experience,” said Bill Molloy, Vice President of Parts Services, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

He said the agreement will ensure the availability of more parts at a competitive price and would make a positive impact on the operators’ cost of ownership. There are more than 2,000 Learjet 20, Learjet 30, and Learjet 50 series aircraft in service, which were produced from the 1960s to 2000s with a bulk of them still in service.

Global Parts said it has the expertise and inventory to service Learjet jets and can repair all parts.

“We are prepared to enhance support for Learjet 20, Learjet 30, and Learjet 50 series aircraft customers right away,” said Malissa Nesmith, GlobalParts.aero's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Slowdown in business jets

Meanwhile, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft Business Jet David Coleal has forecast a slight slowdown in Learjet’s business jet market and expects an upswing in business by 2018.

He told analysts at the Bombardier Inc.'s Investor Day in New York that Bombardier Inc - the parent of Learjet would cut down production of Global 5000 and Global 6000 large-cabin jets from 2016. That means the profit and revenue for Bombardier in 2016 will be low.

Coleal said the slashed production has factored in the falling demand for large-cabin jets. Demand is slowing in many countries including China, India and also in the Asia Pacific.

Coleal said the company’s focus has shifted to “improving profitability."

“We clearly know where we have opportunities and what we're going to be doing different from our business model to enhance profitability and cash generation going forward,” added Coleal.

Liquidity issue

At the investors’ event, Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemare said the company’s liquidity issue has been “addressed.”

Bellemare, who took over as CEO in February after Bombardier suffered its first annual loss in a decade. has been trying to boost the balance sheet impaired by the development of the C Series thin bodied aircraft that was behind schedule with huge cost overruns. To cut the losses, the company also cancelled the development of Learjet 85 aircraft in the business jets segment, reported Bloomberg.

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