Collaborative expertise underpins Bombardier’s aftermarket expansion

Over the past several years, Bombardier has added more than one million square feet to its service and support network. From new aircraft service centres to line maintenance stations and even mobile response teams, Bombardier is bringing the OEM advantage to its customers—no matter where they fly. 

Since 2019, Zeshan Malik, VP of Corporate Development & Aftermarket Program Management, has led the Service Centre Global Expansion mandate. Isabelle Charron and Jason Reisser joined his team in 2024 and now lead the charge in the next wave of expansions.   

“The Global Expansion team was created to support our ‘Bring Your Jet Home’ strategy and grow our service network,” explained Charron, who heads the Global Expansion team. Whether it’s a new paint facility in London Biggin Hill or a new service centre in Abu Dhabi, her team oversees the project from start to finish, including site planning, commercial, and project management considerations.  

Along the way, they work hand in hand with Bombardier’s Director of Operations & Implementation, Jason Reisser. His role is to ensure a new facility has everything it needs to be fully functional on opening day. 

“To build an efficient facility, we have to understand what is needed from an operational standpoint,” said Charron. “That’s where our operations expert, Jason Reisser, comes in. My team works with Jason, who gives us direction to determine the technical requirements of our facilities.”  

During the development phase of a project, Reisser’s leadership comes into play for important considerations like operational necessities, specific requirements for customers and employees, IT, security, and environmental health and safety. From there, he turns to implementation. 

As an example, Reisser referenced the new paint facility that is currently taking shape at Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre. 

“We’re doing the construction right now,” he said. “Soon, I’ll start working with the project manager and the business unit leaders to make sure that on Day 1, when construction is done, we are ready to serve our customers.” 

Added Charon: “Our team, along with Jason’s leadership, will project manage and handle budgets and scheduling. While we oversee construction, we will work with all relevant teams to prepare a robust implementation plan. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition to operations once the facility is finished.”  

Recently, Bombardier announced plans to build a new service centre in Fort Wayne, Indiana—another project driving close collaboration between Charron and Reisser.  

Charron is excited to see the results of their work. “Bombardier has increased its OEM service footprint, we have more aircraft coming to us, we control the quality of service—and customers have voted us No. 1 two years in a row. It’s really working!” 

Added Reisser: “We want customers to keep bringing their aircraft home to Bombardier. That means making sure our service network can accommodate them. My goal is for the site leader to be able to focus on daily operations, while I work to ensure we give customers a fantastic experience from the moment the doors open.”