Bombardier today announced that Amsterdam's Schiphol airport will be the site of its first manufacturer-owned service center outside North America.

The manufacturer says the new 45,640ft2 (4,240m2) European aircraft service centre will open in early 2010 and help support the growing fleet of Bombardier business jets in the region. It will initially employ about 50 aircraft technicians.

Bombardier Aircraft Service Centers president Michael McQuay says the Amsterdam facility will complement the company's joint venture facility in Germany with Lufthansa Technic and "strengthens our services in the region by providing greater access to Bombardier's high-quality maintenance support and certified Bombardier parts pre-cleared at customs."

Bombardier's network of company-owned service centers is now limited to six facilities in North America.

Bombardier also announced today the selection of Lufthansa Technik for the cabin management system on the new midsize Learjet 85. Lufthansa Technik is one of the last of over 40 suppliers to join the Learjet 85 programme ahead of the aircraft's 2013 entry into service.

Source: Flight Daily News