I can count on one hand the amount of times I have flown on a plane. I never aspired to be a flight attendant, a pilot, or even work in baggage claim. However, today at Bombardier I had to seriously reconsider how I plan to use my business degree.
I have never been up close and personal to the plane making process, and I have to say, I loved it. My teacher has a really great job at Bombardier, which is a company that manufactures many different types of air planes. She was able to give us a tour of the facilities and describe all of the different aspects that go into manufacturing a plane.
When we first pulled up to Bombardier, from the outside I was able to get a sense of just how large the area is. There are several buildings and landing strips that make up Bombardier. After going through security we were on our way to get our safety glasses. The safety glasses are required in many of the work areas. Once our protective eye wear was in place we went through the maze of underground area to get into the building where the planes were. The first room we entered was absolutely breathtaking. You walk into a room that is almost as clean as an operating room with sparkling white floors. But the most amazing aspect of the room is the brand new, pristine airplanes that just seem to tower over you. There were four flawless planes strategically placed on display. We learned that the finished planes are moved into that room so the person who purchased them can have their first look at the product they ordered anywhere from one to two years ago. The planes we saw are the same type of airplane John Travolta purchased. Apparently Oprah Winfrey has four of them.
Once we left that room we moved into a room where the planes are assembled. As we progressed through the room the planes became less and less complete until finally we saw very small pieces of the airplane being worked on. It was extremely interesting to see all of the work that goes into making these airplanes.
The entire trip was exciting and informative. I learned that the price of planes range from about 20 million to 80 million dollars. I learned that every step in the process of making a plane is constantly updated to make sure it is completed on time. I learned that many different aspects and expertise that go into manufacturing planes, anywhere from painting parts to analyzing price projections. Overall I really enjoyed my trip to Bombardier.
– Kelsey Keown, Business Administration Major, Fall 2014