HQ Relocated to Wichita, Defense Arm Launched, USAF Orders Revealed

Bombardier had a busy month, publicizing a number of corporate changes, orders, and happenings as they readjust to a changing jet market. 

The company has renamed its Specialized Aircraft division into Bombardier Defense, reflecting its expansion and addressing a key growth area for their portfolio of mission-focused aircraft. The arm has confirmed that it received a firm order for additional modified Global 6000 aircraft from the USAF in support of its Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program. That extension is the result of last year's sole-source engineering and modification contract to modify up to half a dozen Global 6000 business jets into the E11-A BACN standard.

The company also announced the relocation of its US headquarters to Wichita, Kansas, along with a few positional shifts to set executive leadership up in their new home. Tonya Sudduth, former VP of operations of the site, has been installed as the head of US strategy, with additional hiring and recruitment on the way to fill positions at the expanded facility. The company says it's looking to fill more than 180 jobs in Wichita, and close to 500 across the country.

“Wichita was the obvious choice as the home of Bombardier’s new U.S. Headquarters and Bombardier Defense,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “For more than 60 years, the established skills and expertise from the Air Capital of the World is second to none, and this latest confirmation from the United States Air Force is a testament to the confidence they have in our aircraft and importantly, in the strength of our people in Wichita.”

Bombardier's Wichita headquarters will hold an open house for employees and guests on April 23rd. Interested applicants can find company recruiters on-site. 

FMI: www.bombardier.com