Global jets

Bombardier has confirmed plans to scale down production of Global 5000 and Global 6000 business jets, placing around 1,750 jobs at risk.

The decision to cut production of the business aircraft is in response to a slump in order levels, which has been affected by tough economic conditions and geopolitical issues in regions such as Latin America, China and Russia, the company said.

The proposed downsizing will begin in June, and continue through the first quarter of 2016, including up to 1,000 jobs in Montreal, around 480 in Toronto and approximately 280 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Bombardier Business Aircraft president Éric Martel said: "We have seen an industry-wide softness in demand recently in certain international markets and are taking steps to adjust our production accordingly.

"We fully understand the impact this will have on our affected employees and their families and we will do everything possible to support them."

"We fully understand the impact this will have on our affected employees and their families and we will do everything possible to support them."

The latest plans come after the Canadian aircraft-maker halted its Learjet 85 business aircraft development programme.

During the first quarter, Bombardier logged 19 orders for Global business jets, compared to 46 for the same period last year.

The Montreal-based firm is currently working on Global 7000 and 8000 aircraft, and is assembling the first prototype of the Global 7000.

Martel was quoted by Bloomberg as saying: "We have a huge backlog right now and demand is very strong."

Bombardier previously planned its commercial debut of Global 7000 and 8000 jets in 2016 and 2017 respectively; however, no final decision has been made regarding this.

Image: Bombardier logged 19 orders for Global business jets during Q1. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.