Bombardier is marking the 20th anniversary of its Chicago and Frankfurt parts hubs, core sites in its global customer service network. This week, employees from both locations gathered to celebrate alongside suppliers, local officials and industry representatives, recognizing the role both the hubs play in keeping aircraft parts moving worldwide.
“For two decades, our Chicago and Frankfurt hubs have been instrumental in providing the essential parts our customers need to ensure their aircraft are ready for any mission,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president, Bombardier aftermarket services & strategy. “With round-the-clock operations and inventory systems programmed for speed and precision, these hubs deliver the ultimate piece of mind and confidence, underscoring Bombardier’s overriding commitment to world-class service, delivered with exceptional care and convenience.”
“For two decades, the Des Plaines Global Parts Distribution Hub has supported our region’s economy while helping Bombardier customers keep their aircraft mission-ready. I’m especially proud of the more than 100 employees here whose skill and dedication have set a standard for excellence. This anniversary is a testament not only to Bombardier’s commitment to innovation but also to the strength of Illinois’ workforce,” said IL U.S. congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
About 20 years ago, Bombardier consolidated smaller distribution sites into two large hubs near airports to speed parts movement to customers. The Chicago hub opened June 27, 2005. The Frankfurt hub opened Aug. 29, 2005. As of date, the two hubs ship respectively 2,000 and 400 part numbers daily. At full capacity, Chicago can store more than 100,000 parts; Frankfurt can store about 60,000. By early 2026, Chicago is projected to exceed 10 million parts shipped. Frankfurt is on track to reach 1.5 million parts shipped by the end of 2025.
In Aviation International News’s 2025 product support survey, Bombardier ranked first among business jet OEMs for the second consecutive year. Bombardier maintained 92% “off the shelf” shipping rate, ensuring customers receive the parts on time. Bombardier also secured the top spot in the 2025 professional pilot corporate aircraft product support survey.
Source: Bombardier
About Bombardier
Bombardier Inc. is a Canadian aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports business jets. Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, it focuses on the business aviation sector after divesting its commercial aircraft and rail transportation divisions. The company serves corporations, governments and charter service providers worldwide. Founded in 1942 as a snowmobile manufacturer, Bombardier has become one of the leading producers of business jets, offering the Challenger and Global series. It provides aircraft maintenance, refurbishment and flight operations support. In 2024, Bombardier reported $8.7B in revenue, delivering 146 aircraft and generating $2.04B in services revenue. The company employs about 18,000 people globally and supports a fleet of around 5,000 aircraft through 10 service facilities in six countries. Its manufacturing sites are in Canada, the United States and Mexico, with regional depots in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and San Luis Obispo, CA.