Close up: Corey Trudgen, General Manager, Bombardier Melbourne Service Centre
Corey Trudgen says the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Melbourne Service Centre in Australia was a highlight of his long career with Bombardier. As general manager of the new facility, he is responsible for ensuring top notch service delivery to private jet owners and operators. Here, we connect with him to discuss career highlights and what it’s like to live in Melbourne.
Q. What is your most memorable customer experience?
A. I have had many great experiences with Bombardier, both as a customer and then as an employee. Two come to mind of which I am most proud. The first occurred while I was running our London Service Centre at Biggin Hill; after multiple discussions with a large customer in the U.K., we were given an opportunity for maintenance input on a Global aircraft. I worked closely with the customer to fully understand and meet their expectations and requirements. But my main satisfaction came from developing a high degree of trust and mutual respect that continues to this day. The second experience involves the opening of Bombardier’s Melbourne Service Centre in 2022 to increase customer support in the Australian region. The positive feedback I have received from our customers has been overwhelming as our staff works hard to help clients achieve success.
Q. What makes you proud to work at Bombardier?
A. What a great question! I have had many wonderful opportunities with Bombardier: supporting customers in the Australasian region as an FSR (Field Support Representative); being a fleet support manager in Burbank, California; working at all our service centres in the U.S.; as general manager of the London Service Centre for three years while expanding and growing capabilities in the U.K., Middle East, and Australia; and becoming the GM for our new Australian business. However, the one thing that makes me most proud is the people. Having the ability to work with such a diverse, inspirational and professional group that is so passionate about the products we manufacture and the support to our customers is truly inspiring. I am so honoured that Bombardier puts their trust and confidence in me as much as I do in Bombardier.
Q. What is your favourite thing to do in Melbourne?
A. As a sports fan, there’s nowhere better to have our service centre than in Australia’s sporting capital, Melbourne. Melbourne has some big-time events, including the Australian Open (tennis), Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Football League (AFL), Spring Racing Carnival, the Melbourne Cup (horse racing), and Bells Beach Surfing, just to name a few. It is also the gateway to the Victorian ski fields, historical gold fields and towns, the Great Ocean Road and well-known wineries. Melbourne is a very diverse multicultural city and very easy to get around and see. For me, there is nothing better than being at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day, when 100,000 fans are in the house to watch Australia and England play for the Ashes.
Q. What is your favourite Bombardier aircraft or product and why?
A. That is a tough question. I see the history behind our Learjet family and the beauty in the Global family of aircraft, realizing how impressive our industry-leading Global 7500 (soon to be delivered Global 8000) aircraft is. However, my favourite is the Challenger 600 series, specifically the 604. I had the privilege to operate this aircraft for over nine years; seven of which as a member of the Challenger Advisory Board. It was such an honour to work alongside other like-minded individuals to improve the Challenger 600 series. I honestly believe that all members of the board made considerable contributions to the product that is in service today. The Challenger will always hold a special place in my heart.