VREF: Bombardier’s Smart Link Plus system increases aircraft value

Leading aircraft valuation provider VREF has acknowledged Bombardier’s innovative Smart Link Plus aircraft health monitoring system as a key factor contributing to aircraft value. 

Smart Link Plus, the first program in business aviation to offer complete digital “back to birth” traceability of an aircraft’s history, is recognized by VREF as essential baseline equipment for the Global 7500 aircraft – in fact, aircraft not enrolled in the Smart Link Plus program will incur a notable deduction in resale value. 

Likewise, VREF noted that Smart Link Plus brings “substantial value” to the Bombardier Challenger 3500, potentially increasing market value by up to five per cent. 

"The recognition of Smart Link Plus as a pivotal factor in aircraft valuation marks a significant moment in the industry," said Jason Zilberbrand, ASA and President of VREF. "This is the first program of its kind to offer comprehensive back-to-birth traceability in business aviation, which we believe is the future."  

In a white paper on the topic, Zilberbrand wrote that Smart Link Plus drives several key benefits for owners and operators of Bombardier Global 7500 and Challenger 3500 aircraft. These include enhanced resale value, a more streamlined sale transaction and closing process, and future-ready aircraft operations that utilize aircraft data to inform asset health and maintenance. 

"We are delighted to see that the unique value of Smart Link Plus is being recognized in the industry, with this landmark acknowledgment by a major aircraft valuation firm like VREF,” said Elza Brunelle-Yeung, Senior Director of Aftermarket Products and Digital, Bombardier. “We are very proud to say that our innovative Smart Link Plus program has had a profound impact on the support and the actionable insights that Bombardier provides to Global and Challenger customers in service. By integrating Smart Link Plus in their residual value calculation, VREF has further affirmed the program’s unrivalled value and benefit.” 

Concluded Zilberbrand: "As the industry evolves, VREF remains committed to providing accurate and timely valuations that reflect the latest advancements in aircraft technology and management systems. We believe that programs like Smart Link Plus represent a significant step forward in achieving this goal, offering both immediate and long-term benefits to aircraft owners, operators, and potential buyers."   

Read more about Bombardier’s game-changing Smart Link Plus connected aircraft system.