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Bombardier hopeful of firm orders from Mideast

DUBAI— Bombardier is expected to get some firm orders from the Middle East and said it is very important market for it’s business jets.

“Bombardier has 35 per cent market share in the Middle East market for it’s business jets,” Bob Horner, Senior Vice-President, Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft, told Khaleej Times at the Middle East Business Aviation show in Dubai on Wednesday.

“Our aircraft are very well accepted worldwide and specially in this region,” Horner added. Without disclosing the name of clients Horner said the company is in talks for a number of firm orders with buyers in the region.

Bombardier at the show signed a firm order for two Global 7000 jets with Comlux. The Zurich-based charter operator already uses 12 of Bombardier’s other business jets. Although an approximate value for the order was not disclosed, Horner said the price tag is around $65 million per aircraft.

“Comlux has gained its reputation in the worldwide business aviation market, operating the widest range of wide-cabin and long-haul VIP aircraft,” said Richard Gaona, President of Comlux.

“After seven years of successful VIP charter and aircraft management operations, we have a strong experience with the Global Aircraft Family. With its increased cabin space, the Global 7000 fills the gap between the ultra-long range jet segment and the one of VIP airliners.” The Global 7000 aircraft will be able to fly London-Singapore, New York-Dubai or Beijing-Washington non-stop with 10 passengers.

Bombardier also announced seven jet orders from Munich-based Jet Air Flug. That order is for five mid-size Learjet 85 jets and two large cabin Challenger 605 jets is valued at approximately $155 million.

Separately, Bombardier Aerospace opened a new Regional Support Office in Dubai that will significantly boost service levels for its growing number of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft customers in the Middle East and Africa. — abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com