Bombardier says it plans to invest $100 million to build a new manufacturing centre to strengthen its production capacity for business aircraft and create several hundred “highly skilled and well-paid” jobs in Montreal. The future building, scheduled to open by the end of 2027, would work in tandem with the company’s current facilities in Dorval, near the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Bombardier is set to officially make the announcement at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Quebec Economy Minister Christine Fréchette is expected to be present to announce the government’s financial support, a repayable loan of $35 million from Investissement Québec’s ESSOR program. That amount is included in the estimated $100 million cost for the project. “By supporting the expansion of Bombardier, a world-class contractor, our government is generating significant economic spinoffs for the entire Quebec supply chain and the aerospace cluster,” said Fréchette. The new “state-of-the-art” centre, covering more than 11,700 m², “is part of the company’s long-term vision: to increase its productivity and meet the growing demand for its business aircraft,” the Quebec-based manufacturer said in a press release Thursday morning. “This major investment illustrates our commitment to supporting Bombardier’s growth and putting in place the infrastructure necessary to maximize our productivity,” said David Murray, executive vice president of manufacturing. “By increasing our manufacturing capacity, we are giving ourselves the means to meet global demand and consolidate our position as a leader in business aviation.” According to the Quebec government, Bombardier plans to create more than 330 “highly skilled and well-paid” jobs with its new centre. It adds that smaller Quebec aerospace suppliers should also benefit from the project as Bombardier increases production. The president and CEO of the Montreal-based company, Éric Martel, indicated last November that strong international demand had led Bombardier to consider increasing its production rate, potentially resulting in new hires at the Dorval plant, where the Challenger 3500 is assembled. At the time, the company’s CEO suggested that it may need investments to carry out its plan. Martel also noted that the elimination of the luxury tax in the latest federal budget could “create incredible momentum in Canada” for private jets. Following the tax’s cancellation, adopted by Justin Trudeau’s government, Bombardier said it could see 600 more jobs created in the country. Last month, Bombardier was granted a $753 million defence contract from Ottawa for the purchase of six Global 6500 aircraft. The assembly of certain components and the finishing touches are set to be carried out in Montreal. With information from Stéphane Rolland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 15, 2026.
