Bombardier in Belfast is to build parts for up to 142 business jets, as part of the largest order in the company’s history.

Vistajet, a private charter firm, has signed a deal worth more than £4.8 billion with the company.

The deal will help secure the jobs of around 5,500 people in Belfast, the company said.

A Bombardier spokeswoman said: "We in Belfast play a major role in the business jet sector - an important market which Bombardier leads.

"This order - the largest ever business aircraft sale in Bombardier's history - will help to sustain jobs and secure our long-term future, in addition to benefiting our local supply chain."

Bombardier in Belfast is responsible for the design and manufacture of a range of parts for the global aircraft family, including the forward fuselages, engine nacelles, horizontal stabilisers and other components.

Work will start shortly and the first order involves 25 Global 5000, 25 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets, Bombardier said.

The spokeswoman added: "The announcement of this order for up to 142 of Bombardier's Global business jets is a tremendous endorsement of Bombardier, our employees and the global aircraft family, and is very much welcome."

Bombardier, a Canadian company, came to Northern Ireland in 1989 when it bought Short Brothers plc from the UK government.

PA