Montreal’s aerospace giant Bombardier has just landed what could be its most significant deal of 2025, securing a US$1.7 billion order for its flagship Global 7500 business jets from an undisclosed U.S. client. The agreement, which includes a comprehensive service package, represents a critical win for Canada’s aviation sector and signals continuing demand for ultra-long-range business aircraft despite persistent economic headwinds.
The deal, announced yesterday at Bombardier’s headquarters, includes firm orders for twelve Global 7500 aircraft with options for an additional eight jets. What makes this agreement particularly noteworthy is the extensive 10-year service component, which industry analysts suggest could generate an additional $800 million in revenue over the contract’s lifetime.
“This isn’t just an aircraft sale—it’s a long-term partnership that underscores the resilience of premium business aviation,” said Éric Martel, Bombardier’s President and CEO during the press conference. “Our Global 7500 continues to set the standard for ultra-long-range travel, and this order demonstrates the enduring value proposition of business aviation for organizations with global operations.”
The timing couldn’t be better for the Canadian manufacturer. After weathering a challenging post-pandemic period that saw production slowdowns and workforce reductions, Bombardier has been steadily rebuilding its order book. According to data from FlightGlobal, business jet deliveries across the industry declined 7% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, making significant orders like this one particularly valuable.
The Global 7500, with its 7,700 nautical mile range, has been Bombardier’s flagship offering since its introduction in 2018. The aircraft can connect virtually any two major business centers without refueling—flying nonstop from Toronto to Singapore or New York to Hong Kong—while offering what many consider the most sophisticated cabin experience in business aviation.
Cameron Doerksen, transportation analyst at National Bank Financial, noted the significance of the deal’s timing. “What’s particularly encouraging is securing this order despite higher interest rates and economic uncertainty. The ultra-long-range segment has proven more resilient than mid-size jets, and this order confirms that trend continues into 2025.”
While Bombardier has declined to name the customer, sources familiar with the transaction suggested it might be a major U.S. corporation expanding its executive fleet rather than a charter operator. The first deliveries under this new contract are expected to begin in late 2026 and continue through 2028.
The service agreement component of the deal highlights an increasingly important revenue stream for aircraft manufacturers. Bombardier’s aftermarket services division has grown to represent approximately 30% of the company’s total revenue, providing more stable cash flow compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
“The days of simply selling an airplane and moving on are long gone,” explained Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory. “For manufacturers like Bombardier, comprehensive service agreements provide predictable revenue and keep them connected to their customers throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. This $1.7 billion deal likely has an even higher lifetime value when you consider potential upgrades and service extensions.”
For Canada’s aerospace sector, which employs approximately 235,000 people and contributes roughly $28 billion annually to the national economy according to Statistics Canada, the order represents welcome news. Bombardier’s supply chain includes hundreds of Canadian companies, from advanced avionics firms in Ontario to composite material specialists in Quebec.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, called the deal “a testament to Canadian aerospace excellence” in a statement, adding that “each Bombardier aircraft sold internationally carries Canadian innovation around the world.”
The company’s stock responded positively to the news, climbing 5.8% on the Toronto Stock Exchange following the announcement—its largest single-day gain since March. Several analysts have revised their guidance on Bombardier shares, with RBC Capital Markets upgrading its target price from C$122 to C$130.
Bombardier’s success comes at a pivotal moment for business aviation. The sector experienced unprecedented demand during the pandemic as wealthy travelers and corporations sought alternatives to commercial travel. While that surge has moderated, the industry hasn’t seen the dramatic pullback some analysts predicted.
“What we’re witnessing is a normalization rather than a collapse,” said Rolland Vincent, aviation consultant and creator of JETNET iQ. “First-time buyers who entered during the pandemic are largely staying, and corporations are recognizing the productivity benefits of business aviation in an increasingly global business environment.”
For Bombardier, which completed a multi-year transformation in 2021 to focus exclusively on business aviation after divesting its commercial aircraft and rail divisions, the order validates its strategic direction. The company has streamlined its product lineup around the Global and Challenger families while investing heavily in customer service infrastructure.
The Global 7500 production line in Montreal will see increased activity as a result of this order, potentially creating hundreds of additional jobs across the company’s operations. Bombardier currently employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide, with the majority based in Canada.
As the company prepares to fulfill this significant order, industry watchers will be monitoring whether this signals broader strength in the ultra-long-range business jet market or represents an isolated win in challenging times. Either way, it provides Bombardier with valuable breathing room as it navigates the complex crosscurrents of post-pandemic business aviation.
