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WICHITA, Kan. – Bombardier opened its North American Learning Center in Wichita on Thursday, part of a new $50 million investment by the Canadian business aircraft maker, less than six weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to block the company from selling aircraft in the United States unless they are built in America.
Bombardier has pushed back against the rhetoric, saying it employs thousands of Americans and supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs through its operations and supply chain. The company spends more than $2.5 billion annually with U.S. suppliers.
The learning center will provide specialized training for newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics who will support customers through Bombardier’s American service network. It is the company’s first dedicated in-house skills development center.
The investment also includes a recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which uses specialized equipment and employee training to expand the company’s component repair and overhaul capabilities.
Bombardier said the projects will strengthen its U.S. operations and position the Kansas site for continued growth.
“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt.-Gov. David Toland, Bombardier executives and industry representatives.
Kelly said her administration had partnered with Bombardier since 2019 to expand its presence in Wichita, which is home to the company’s U.S. headquarters and Bombardier Defense.
The company has about 3,500 employees and 10 service and manufacturing facilities across the country. It is also planning to open a service center in Fort Wayne, Ind.
At NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Bombardier will put its Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500 aircraft on static display.
The company will also host a discussion with John Travolta. The actor, who is type-rated on more than a dozen aircraft, including the Global Express, will share experiences from his 50 years of flying.
Bombardier is building a new final assembly facility at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for its Global business jets.
The A220s are assembled in Mirabel as well as in Mobile, Ala.
The first 
Bombardier
“There is no other guide on the market that offers such a comprehensive overview of the industry today.”
She also founded the Sapphire Pegasus Awards, which honors outstanding performances by companies and individuals in business aviation.
Geneva hosts the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, or 
More than 400 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services at the three-day event.
The world’s newest commercial aircraft is being delivered on Thursday.
Fred Cromer (right), president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, called it the first “right-sized aircraft in the 100- to 150-seat market segment in nearly 30 years.”
Twenty 
“We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for the environment, and provides our customers with a superior level of comfort and safety,” said company president Sir Tim Clark (left).
The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer is collaborating with Canada’s aviation industry, the 
Under the latest initiative, a consortium that includes Boeing, 
“Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a critical role in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions over the long term,” said Julie Felgar, managing director of environmental strategy and integration at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The 
The service will be available on new Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft.
“Our Global aircraft can link virtually any key city pair worldwide, non-stop, at close to the speed of sound, and the Bombardier WAVE system is intended to match this performance with its exceptional speed, promise of reliability and worldwide reach,” said David Coleal (left), president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.
The system leverages Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave hardware and Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution to deliver high-speed access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe, Bombardier said.
“Our JetWave hardware, coupled with Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution, is ushering in a new era of connectivity in the skies,” said Kristin Slyker, vice-president at Honeywell Aerospace.
Bombardier’s 1,000th Challenger 600 series aircraft is set to enter into service this year …and that airplane will be the first Challenger 650, built for private aviation leader 
Earlier in the day, 
Meanwhile,