31 January 2007
Canada-based maker of business jets, Bombardier, yesterday signed a $52 million (Dh190m) deal for four Learjet 60XR aircraft with four Middle East buyers - one each in Dubai and Jeddah and two in Kuwait.

Bombardier has sold a total of 25 planes to various customers in the Middle East in the last 15 years, according to a senior company executive.

"Growth for business jets in the Middle East is starting to be significant. This region today represents eight per cent of the worldwide private aircraft market," said Jahid Fazal-Karim, senior vice-president for new aircraft sales (business aircraft) at Bombardier.

While he refused to divulge the revenues the company accrues from the Middle East, Fazal-Karim said that "the company's sales go hand in hand with the economic growth.

By Shweta Jain

© Emirates Today 2007