Bombardier Unveils ORBITA: The Future of Predictive Maintenance for Rail Operators

André Navarri, president of Bombardier Transportation, announced the global launch of Bombardier ORBITA—a groundbreaking predictive maintenance solution designed to transform rail operations.

Dubbed "The Future of Maintenance," ORBITA helps operators boost fleet utilisation, enhance reliability and availability, reduce in‑service failures, and deliver a smoother passenger journey.

Navarri introduced the product during Bombardier’s press conference at Innotrans in Berlin on September 20. He highlighted the company’s commitment to service innovation and the collaboration with aerospace experts who brought cutting‑edge predictive techniques to rail.

Advances in on‑board systems and global communications now allow rolling stock to transmit real‑time performance data directly to operators and maintainers.

ORBITA takes this a step further by deploying a team of Control Centre specialists who interrogate the data, coordinate with depots, and cross‑reference information from Bombardier’s extensive global fleet database. This enables the early identification of potential issues and rapid, informed responses to faults.

The solution allows maintenance activities to be planned proactively, reducing crisis responses, improving scheduling, and optimising spare‑parts inventory.

Bombardier will provide ORBITA as a technical support service for maintenance contracts—whether full fleet management or materials contracts. Typical systems monitored include HVAC, doors, brakes, CCTV, propulsion, and electrical equipment. ORBITA can also pinpoint energy‑consumption and passenger‑loading inefficiencies.

First ScotRail in the United Kingdom is already leveraging ORBITA in a landmark contract. Andy Mellors, engineering director, noted that the partnership “will deliver improvements in reliability and reduce maintenance costs” and praised the value proposition of ORBITA.

Bombardier Transportation, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, operates in more than 60 countries and serves an installed base of roughly 97,000 vehicles worldwide. It is widely regarded as the leader in the global rail sector.

About Bombardier
Bombardier Inc. is a global leader in innovative transportation solutions, spanning regional aircraft, business jets, and rail equipment. The company is headquartered in Canada. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2006, Bombardier reported revenues of $14.7 billion USD.