The identity of the customer has not been disclosed, but delivery is scheduled by the end of 2027. This order is significant for Bombardier: the $4bn envisaged is equivalent to nearly half of the group's 2024 revenue.
Bombardier reported a slowdown in orders at the beginning of the year, before an expected rebound in H2. At the end of Q1 2025, its order book stood at $14.9bn. This contract therefore comes at just the right time.
An extraordinary contract
The agreement includes 50 twin-engine aircraft from the Challenger and Global ranges, accompanied by a maintenance partnership described as "one of a kind." The customer has opted for Bombardier's high-end offering and could activate options bringing the total order to 120 aircraft. This scenario would increase the contract's value to $4bn (USD).
At this stage, Bombardier has not specified which exact models have been ordered.
The complete range can be viewed on the aircraft manufacturer's website: Discover our jets | Bombardier
The lights are back on green
In May, the group confirmed its target of delivering 150 aircraft in 2025, compared with 146 in 2024 and 138 in 2023. On June 20, Swedish manufacturer SAAB, a long-standing customer, ordered two Global 6500s. At the Paris Air Show, Bombardier also signed a letter of intent to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
On June 18, S&P upgraded the group's credit rating from B+ to BB- (speculative grade). However, Bombardier still lags behind its peers in terms of debt. Its net debt/EBITDA ratio stands at 3.91, an improvement from an average of 8 over the past four years. In comparison, Rolls Royce stands at -0.15, GE Aerospace at 0.66 and RTX Corporation at 3.26.
Bombardier issued debt last month at 6.75%. This is the first time in more than 20 years that it has not issued above 7%.
