Gallery: Bombardier's New Toronto Pearson Facility

Bombardier's new Toronto facility represents an organizational upgrade to its assembly process, where each phase of assembly is housed in one building. From start to finish, one can witness a Global aircraft's journey throughout the concentrically organized factory floor.

A new facility is not complete without new equipment. According to Michael Murphy, Bombardier's director of operations, the robot arm shown here can drill, ream and install sealant and fasteners in a cycle time under 30 sec.

Two Bombardier employees demonstrate the pinpoint accuracy of the robot arm, instructing the machine to make multiple adjustments without moving the end of the arm. The machines are primarily used during the aerostructures phase, where large aircraft components are joined together with extreme precision.

Bombardier's new facility is where Global series aircraft will be assembled. According to Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel, the company employs over 18,000 in Canada with plans to create 35,000 jobs in all.

Bombardier is anticipating entry-into-service of its upcoming Global 8000 aircraft in the latter half of 2025. According to the company, the jet will be the fastest in its class with a top speed of Mach 0.94. The jet will also boast a range of 8,000 nm.

Before its first flight, each aircraft is brought to Bombardier's onsite Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE), where propulsion and fuel systems are tested. According to Murphy, the enclosure can withstand a full takeoff gross thrust of almost 18,000 lbs. The enclosure is designed to dissipate engine blast and noise, reducing sound levels to 70 decibels 50 meters away.

After completing the testing process, Bombardier fly the empty jets to its completions facility in Montreal. According to Murphy, all Bombardier flights use a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a Book-and-Claim system.

 Before moving to Toronto, Bombardier conducted its manufacturing operations at the nearby Downsview Airport. With the move, the company accesses runways at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Bombardier's new logo, affectionately known as the "Mach," resembles the airflow of an aircraft as it breaks the sound barrier, according to the company. 

Bombardier's EcoJet program focuses on the development of a highly fuel efficient aircraft, utilizing a blended-wing body. Pictured above is a functional model at under 10% scale, which was flown during the research process.

Éric Martel's leadership team was joined by local government leaders, including Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Solicitor General Michael S. Kerzner of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Bombardier's facility inauguration served as an opportunity for employees to celebrate alongside their families and loved ones. Thousands were in attendance as the company reflected on its past in Downsview, and looked forward to the future at  the new facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport.