Neelam Mathews

Bombardier Aerospace has signed a nine-year agreement <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2012-01-05/raa-chooses-board-directors">with Canadian airline Jazz Aviation</a> for its Q400 Smart Parts program. According to the manufacturer, Smart Parts provides convenient access to parts using cost-efficient inventory management.
“The program is predictable in terms of cash flow and provides a single channel for airlines, allowing them to focus on flying,” said Eric Martel, president, Bombardier customer services &amp; specialized and amphibious aircraft.
Martel said Bombardier would leverage the program for the CSeries in 2013 when it goes into service.
“We need full control of our costs and Smart Parts can help us predict [requirements],” said Richard Steer, vice president, maintenance and engineering, for Jazz Aviation.
Currently Q400 operators across the world, including India’s SpiceJet, Eurolot of Poland and Luxembourg’s Luxair, have selected the program, which was introduced in 2008. “The program is doing well in parts reliability with SpiceJet. There are 50 people supporting the fleet,” said Martel to AIN.
Bombardier is to open its service center in Singapore early next year.