Bombardier confirmed yesterday that its much-heralded Continental business jet has been given the go-ahead for development.
The new aircraft, which will carry eight passengers and their luggage coast-to-coast across the United States and will easily cover the whole of Europe and most of the Middle East from Paris, is exceeding expectations already in the number of firm orders and options placed.
At le Bourget yesterday Bombardier announced an order book of 100 aircraft - double the number needed for the project to begin.
Bombardier also confirmed that the final assembly of the multinational aircraft will take place in Wichita, Kansas.
This is a disappointment for Bombardier subsidiary Shorts Brothers, which had hoped the work would go to its Northern Ireland plant. This sentiment was supported by Northern Ireland's political leader David Trimble, who was guest of Bombardier chairman Laurent Beaudoin at last week's roll-out of the CRJ-700.
Bombardier executives were keen to stress the benefits that the Belfast firm will still enjoy as has been named as the manufacturer of the mid fuselage, which will mean 150 jobs.
The Canadian is optimistic that it has a "record-breaker" on its hands and Michael Graff, Bombardier Aerospace president, says he is anticipating winning a major share of the super midsize jet market.
This he estimates to total around 1,200 aircraft during the next ten years and believes the Continental can account for one third.
Source: Flight Daily News