Canadian Business Aviation Association

Flying Colours Corp., the completions, refurbishment and maintenance specialist, announced today that Bombardier* has appointed both its Peterborough, ON, Canada and JetCorp Technical Services, St Louis, Missouri, USA, locations as Authorized Service Facilities (ASF) for Learjet* and Challenger* business jets.

Flying Colours Corp. is renowned for its new Challenger 850* aircraft completions for which it works directly with Bombardier as an Authorized Completion Centre and it is anticipated the ASF status will serve to further strengthen the relationship between the two companies beyond completions only.

“We are very honoured and proud to have both facilities joining the Bombardier Authorized Service Facility network. Bombardier’s confidence in the quality of work that Flying Colours Corp provides further demonstrates our continued commitment to develop quality and reliability in all our maintenance endeavours,” stated John Gillespie, President and CEO Flying Colours Corp.

As part of the Bombardier ASF appointment the Flying Colours workforce, which currently stands at over 350 employees, will benefit from an enhanced on-going training schedule and will maintain a strict set of operating procedures led by the LEAN system which it already adheres to at each facility. Flying Colours Corp. is already equipped to handle a full range of aircraft services beyond just maintenance. Both facilities can support completions, interior refurbishment and modification, interior design, exterior paint, component services, and avionics installation programs on a complete range of aircraft and the ASF approval supports the quality of the work in this area.

“We are delighted to expand our relationship with Flying Colours and Jet Corp Technical Services as we continue to grow our business aircraft services offering globally,” said Éric Martel, President, Bombardier Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft. “The two facilities have built a culture of quality, safety and service excellence. They now join our worldwide network that features more than 60 facilities on five continents supporting operators of Bombardier business and commercial aircraft.”

The Flying Colours and JetCorp ASF authorizations cover Learjet 40*, Learjet 40 XR*, Learjet 45*, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60*, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300*, Challenger 604*, Challenger 605* and Challenger 850 business jets. Looking to the future Flying Colours Corp. is aiming to have both facilities authorized to serve the complete Bombardier business aircraft product line and has already begun an extensive internal investment program focused on upgrading facilities and tooling, along with implementing relevant training to ensure this is achievable.

It is with great sadness that Flying Colours has to inform you of the sudden passing of a dear friend and colleague, Paul J. Heaver, Vice President Completions & Modifications of their USA subsidiary JetCorp Technical Services. Paul passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with Paul’s wife, Jacqueline and daughters Paris and Alicia. Paul’s limitless passion for our industry and his tireless commitment to his profession will leave a lasting impression on all of us. His contributions, kindness, sense of humor, and professionalism will be deeply missed,” said Flying Colours President and CEO John Gillespie.

Over the past few years Flying Colours and its US subsidiary Jetcorp have grown dramatically. Paul made a significant contribution to that growth. He joined Flying Colours in 2007 as Director of Business Development and was promoted to VP of Completions at JetCorp 18 months ago. He has been a stalwart in the industry for over 25 years, working with the likes of de Havilland and Bombardier prior to joining Flying Colours.

“Paul was hugely instrumental in the success of our Bombardier CRJ conversion program and took a prominent role in our green Challenger 850 completions. Furthermore, under his leadership the completions arm of JetCorp has developed into a sizeable and highly reputable organization. This is his legacy,” added John Gillespie.