Bombardier Debuts FastTrack Training Program in Hartford, Connecticut, and Expands Commitment to Workforce Development in the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Bombardier (OTC:BDRBF) launched its FastTrack training program in Hartford, Connecticut, expanding an accelerated pathway to FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification for experienced aviation technicians.

Developed with WSU Tech and now run with CT Aero Tech and AdvanceCT, FastTrack supports Bombardier’s U.S. workforce development and growing service network.

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• The FastTrack program develops skilled, qualified Airframe and Powerplant technicians while ensuring an efficient and effective pathway to FAA certification
• Originally developed in conjunction with WSU Tech, Bombardier is now bringing the FastTrack program to Hartford, Connecticut, in collaboration with CT Aero Tech
• Through FastTrack, Bombardier continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing workforce development and developing a pipeline of skilled talent to support its growing fleet and operational footprint

HARTFORD, Conn., May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier today announced the start of its FastTrack program, an accelerated training pathway designed to help aircraft maintenance technicians obtain their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. Launched in collaboration with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), the program is now being expanded to Hartford, Connecticut, in coordination with CT Aero Tech, which is part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). The company also plans to replicate this program in other service locations across the United States. FastTrack expands opportunities for skilled professionals to advance their careers while supporting the continued growth of Bombardier’s talent pipeline.

Through the FastTrack program, eligible candidates with a minimum of 18 months of hands‑on industry experience in either Airframe or Powerplant disciplines – or 30 months of combined experience – can pursue FAA certification. Participants will complete a two‑ to four‑week accelerated classroom refresher focused on preparing for the FAA written examinations in General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects. This will be followed by an additional two weeks of hands‑on instruction to prepare participants for their practical evaluation.

“The FastTrack program reflects Bombardier’s continued investment in building a highly skilled maintenance workforce to support our growing service operations,” said Paul J. Thompson, Vice President, Service Centres. “This initiative not only supports experienced professionals who want to advance their careers but also helps strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional OEM maintenance services to our customers around the world.”

This program highlights the collaborative effort between Bombardier and CTECS’ CT Aero Tech, as well as state collaborator AdvanceCT.

“Bombardier’s decision to bring its FastTrack program to Hartford is a strong vote of confidence in Connecticut’s aerospace workforce and training ecosystem," said John Bourdeaux, President & CEO of AdvanceCT. "By partnering with CT Aero Tech to expand pathways to FAA certification, this initiative will help more residents access high-quality aviation careers while ensuring Bombardier can continue to access the skilled talent they need to grow and compete.”

“CTECS is very pleased to support Bombardier in launching the FastTrack program at CT Aero Tech,” said CTECS Executive Director Dr. Alice Pritchard. “This partnership allows CTECS to maximize the use of our state facilities, engage expert instructors in providing skills training, and create accelerated pathways into high-demand careers with Connecticut companies. Together, we’re preparing and connecting skilled talent to the aviation industry’s growing workforce needs.”

“The FastTrack program represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development in aviation,” said James Hall, Vice President, Aviation and Workforce Development, WSU Tech. “By combining real-world experience with targeted, accelerated training, it creates a scalable solution to one of the industry’s biggest challenges. We’re proud of the role WSU Tech played in developing this program with Bombardier and look forward to its continued impact across the country.”

The FastTrack program reinforces Bombardier’s commitment to expanding training and career development pathways across its worldwide aftermarket network. With the company’s steady growth in service capabilities and facilities worldwide, programs like FastTrack play a critical role in ensuring a strong pipeline of qualified technicians ready to support Bombardier’s fleet of industry-leading business jets.

By providing a streamlined route to FAA certification and fostering opportunities for individuals with real-world aviation experience, Bombardier continues to demonstrate its dedication to workforce development and to its long-term vision for the aerospace sector.

About Bombardier

At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.

For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.

Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.

For Information

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Sustainability report, as well as the company’s initiative to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book-and-Claim system visit bombardier.com.

Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier.

Media Contacts
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Stephanie Faraggi
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stephanie.faraggi@aero.bombardier.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c1a69f1-8230-4b5a-bd89-2f38fd092117

FAQ

What is Bombardier's FastTrack training program announced on May 13, 2026 for BDRBF?

Bombardier's FastTrack is an accelerated training pathway helping experienced aircraft maintenance technicians prepare for FAA A&P certification. According to Bombardier, it combines a short classroom refresher with hands-on instruction, supporting both technician career growth and the company’s expanding service operations.

How does the Bombardier (BDRBF) FastTrack program in Hartford, Connecticut work?

FastTrack in Hartford offers a two- to four-week classroom refresher for FAA written exams, followed by two weeks of hands-on practical preparation. According to Bombardier, eligible candidates use this structure to get ready for General, Airframe, and Powerplant certification evaluations.

Who is eligible for Bombardier's FastTrack FAA A&P certification pathway for BDRBF?

FastTrack targets candidates with at least 18 months of hands-on experience in either Airframe or Powerplant, or 30 months combined. According to Bombardier, these experienced professionals can use the program to pursue FAA A&P certification through focused classroom and practical training.

Which partners support Bombardier's FastTrack program launch in Hartford for BDRBF?

The Hartford FastTrack expansion is coordinated with CT Aero Tech, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, with support from AdvanceCT. According to Bombardier, WSU Tech helped originally develop the program, which is now being replicated at additional U.S. service locations.

How does Bombardier's FastTrack program affect its U.S. workforce development strategy for BDRBF?

FastTrack is described by Bombardier as a key workforce development tool that strengthens its pipeline of qualified technicians. By offering a streamlined route to FAA certification, the program supports the company’s growing aftermarket service network and long-term vision for the aerospace sector.

What training do participants receive in Bombardier's FastTrack A&P program for BDRBF?

Participants complete a two- to four-week accelerated classroom refresher covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant topics for FAA written exams. According to Bombardier, they then receive two additional weeks of hands-on instruction to prepare for the FAA practical evaluation requirements.