Bombardier takes off

PLANE maker Bombardier has won a £529m order for 15 jets from American Airlines in a major boost for its Northern Ireland factory.

It is the latest stage in a recovery after it was embroiled in a trade war, when it was threatened with tariffs over claims it was subsidised by the state and therefore unfair competition for US firm Boeing. The spat threatened to close the Canadian-owned firm’s plant in Northern Ireland. However, Bombardier eventually won the row.

Some parts for the CRJ900 planes in the new deal are made in Northern Ireland. Bombardier’s Fred Cromer said: ‘We are pleased with American’s continued confidence in Bombardier and the CRJ900 aircraft.’