Bombardier wins order for 40 CRJ900 jets

The Belfast factory makes the centre fuselage for the plane

Bombardier in Belfast stands to gain from another major order for aircraft.

Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order worth more than £1bn for 40 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft which also includes an option for a further 30.

If the options are converted to firm orders the total value will be more than £2bn.

Bombardier Belfast is responsible for the design and manufacture of the centre fuselage, engine casings and composite wing components for the jet.

The news follows an announcement last week of a record order for business jets placed with the Canadian aerospace giant, which will also bring work to Northern Ireland.

In a statement from the Northern Ireland division, the company said it was delighted with the order, which it described as a "further vote of confidence in the skills and capabilities of the workforce in Belfast".

"The CRJ Series of aircraft have the lowest operating cost among regional jets available today, burning up to 16% less fuel than competitive aircraft, and airlines have recognised the proven advantage of the CRJ aircraft," it said.

"Orders such as these over the past week are helping to maintain our current manpower levels and secure the long-term future of our design and manufacturing operations in Northern Ireland."