Bombardier Taps GE Aviation To Power Cockpit & Cabin Connectivity Solutions For Challenger & Global Business Jets

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Posted On: 11/5/2019 2:45:55 PM

Bombardier recently signed a Preferred Service Provider agreement with GE Aviation that is the first step toward the Smart Link Plus connected-aircraft program Bombardier plans to launch in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Bombardier.)


Business jet manufacturer Bombardier has inked a Preferred Service Provider agreement with GE Aviation that will see GE immediately begin powering cockpit and cabin connectivity solutions in new and in-service Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft. Solutions include new curated service bundles Bombardier says will “simplify the selection of cockpit and cabin services with tip-to-tail solutions for new and in-service aircraft.” The agreement is the initial step toward Bombardier’s launch of a Smart Link Plus connected aircraft program planned for 2020’s second half that will help customers make operations and maintenance decisions based on fleet-wide data.


A Box That’s Smart

Via the program, Bombardier will work with GE to develop a Smart Link Plus box, or HMU (Health Monitoring Unit) “smart” box that generates data customers can use for decision-making purposes to increase operational efficiency and reduce aircraft return-to-service times. The box is free for eligible Challenger and Global customers and installable at any Bombardier service center. Bombardier originally introduced the smart box technology with its Global 7500, but is adapting it now for all Global customers as well as Challenger customers.


Bombardier says the Smart Link Plus smart box will feed aircraft-related data from across an entire connected fleet to Bombardier’s digital platform. There, it will be analyzed and translated into actionable insights, including more efficient dispatching, troubleshooting, and tracking of aircraft service needs. Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Bombardier Business Aircraft vice president and general manager, customer experience, says, “Coupled with our extensive global infrastructure expansion, this digital transformation is the next step in dramatically enhancing Bombardier’s customer service experience worldwide.”


“An Unprecedented Experience”

Helping enable the program will be GE’s Digital Works services, which tap into GE’s data and analytics experience. Bombardier says, “Digital Works will support the operator, including connectivity, cockpit communications, flight support, and safety applications.” Eventually, Smart Link Plus will enable a “fully connected aircraft that connects owners, maintenance crews, pilots, and operators to data-enabled applications” while also using fleet-related insights to provide an “unprecedented experience in one digital ecosystem, including future benefits such as aircraft-predictive maintenance.”


If you’re searching for a new or used business jet, Controller.com is the industry’s leading source. In addition to Bombardier Global 7500 models, you’ll find other Bombardier Global and Challenger aircraft for sale.


Source: Bombardier

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