Strong Demand for Business Jets Reported by Bombardier

As the global economy continues to recover, the demand for business jets and pilots to fly them has increased. Bombardier, the world’s third largest civil aircraft manufacturer behind Boeing and Airbus, reported Thursday that it had received 201 aircraft orders this last year, compared to 11 orders for the previous fiscal year. In the most recent fourth quarter, demand was especially strong for business aircraft with 74 net aircraft orders being placed with Bombardier. That was the strongest level since the second quarter of fiscal 2009, said Desjardins analyst Benoît Poirier in a research note. "This is a very solid number and the strongest indication to date that the bizjet market is recovering," Mr. Poirier said. Net orders for Q400 turboprop airliners also rose to 43 from 16 a year earlier. Bombardier reported that it expects to deliver about 150 business jets and about 90 commercial planes in the 11 months ahead, ending Dec. 31. Business jets, and Commercial Jets operated by the airline industry, typically require the use of up to five two-person flight crews each to operate full time. The aircraft being delivered by Bombardier alone in 2011 will require approximately 2400 pilots be hired to fly them.