Montreal’s aerospace giant Bombardier has once again proven its resilience in the global market, securing a landmark US$1.7 billion aircraft order that includes a comprehensive service agreement. The deal represents a significant victory for Quebec’s flagship manufacturer and signals growing confidence in the company’s strategic pivot toward business aviation.
The order, announced yesterday during Canada Day celebrations, includes the purchase of 20 of Bombardier’s Global 7500 luxury business jets. These aircraft, known for their exceptional range and cabin comfort, have become the cornerstone of Bombardier’s restructured business model following the company’s decision to exit commercial aviation and focus exclusively on private jets.
“This order validates years of strategic realignment and investment in our Global family of aircraft,” said Éric Martel, Bombardier’s President and CEO. “Montreal remains the heart of our operations, and this contract will help secure thousands of highly skilled aerospace jobs across Quebec.”
Industry analysts view this development as evidence of Bombardier’s successful transformation. Michel Leblanc, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, noted that the deal “demonstrates Quebec’s continued leadership in high-value aerospace manufacturing despite intense global competition.”
The customer behind this major purchase has been identified as VistaJet, a leading global business aviation company that has been expanding its fleet of luxury aircraft. The agreement includes not only the aircraft but also a 10-year maintenance and service contract that will provide Bombardier with a steady revenue stream long after the initial delivery.
For Montrealers, the news carries special significance. Our city’s aerospace sector employs over 40,000 people and generates approximately $15.5 billion annually, according to Aéro Montréal, the regional aerospace cluster. This contract helps secure these positions during uncertain economic times.
Walking through Saint-Laurent’s aerospace corridor last week, I noticed a renewed energy among workers and executives alike. The mood has shifted dramatically from the uncertainty that plagued the company during its financial restructuring several years ago.
The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better for Quebec’s economy. With inflation concerns and rising interest rates creating headwinds for many industries, this injection of manufacturing activity provides welcome stability. The provincial government estimates that each aerospace job supports approximately 2.2 positions in related sectors.
“Bombardier’s success reverberates throughout our local economy,” explained Suzanne Benoît, President of Aéro Montréal. “From specialized component manufacturers to service providers, hundreds of Quebec SMEs participate in the supply chain that makes these aircraft possible.”
The Global 7500, manufactured primarily at Bombardier’s Dorval facility, represents the pinnacle of the company’s engineering capabilities. With a range of 7,700 nautical miles, it can fly nonstop from Montreal to Hong Kong or Singapore, making it the longest-range business jet currently in production.
What makes this contract particularly valuable is the included service agreement. Bombardier has been strategically expanding its maintenance and support network, which provides higher profit margins than aircraft sales alone. This approach helps shield the company from the cyclical nature of aircraft orders.
The deal follows Bombardier’s strong financial performance in recent quarters. After years of uncertainty, including the sale of its rail division to Alstom and its commercial aircraft program to Airbus, the company has been steadily reducing debt and improving its balance sheet.
For Montreal’s aerospace ecosystem, this order reinforces our city’s position as a global aviation hub. Local universities and technical schools like École Polytechnique and École des métiers de l’aérospatiale de Montréal continue to produce the specialized talent needed to support this high-tech industry.
Last month, while covering the International Aerospace Innovation Forum at Palais des congrès, I witnessed firsthand the interconnectedness of our aerospace community. From ambitious startups developing new composites to established firms specializing in avionics, Montreal possesses a depth of aerospace expertise few cities can match.
The economic impact extends beyond direct manufacturing jobs. According to Montreal International, each aerospace position generates approximately $140,000 in annual economic activity, creating a multiplier effect throughout the regional economy.
Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the final jets expected to enter service by late 2028. The extended delivery timeline provides stable production planning for Bombardier and its extensive network of Quebec-based suppliers.
As Montreal continues to recover from pandemic-related economic challenges, news of major manufacturing contracts like this one helps reinforce confidence in our city’s economic foundations. The aerospace sector, alongside technology and life sciences, remains a crucial pillar of Montreal’s diversified economy.
For a company that faced existential challenges just a few years ago, this US$1.7 billion order represents more than just revenue – it symbolizes Bombardier’s successful reinvention and Quebec’s enduring aerospace capabilities in an increasingly competitive global market.
