Bombardier is closing the year with a firm order valued at $267 million for 10 super-midsize Challenger 350s from an undisclosed customer. The commitment marks one of the larger orders in 2020 and signifies strengthening interest in the business aviation market during the pandemic, according to Bombardier.

“This order highlights the value customers place on the unmatched capabilities of our aircraft,” said Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel. “Bombardier’s newly refreshed portfolio and growing service network position the company well to respond to growing interest in private aviation and the enhanced safety it provides.”

The order also is a key win for Bombardier as it begins its transition into a pure-play business aviation company in the upcoming weeks. Once shed of its non-business aviation entities, Bombardier plans to focus on managing its existing portfolio of aircraft and growth in its existing service network as it works to reduce capital and other costs and manage an anticipated residual $4.5 billion debt load.

In addition, the sale provides a key boost for Bombardier, which has had to realign production as complexities of working in the Covid environment hampered sales and deliveries. Through the first three quarters, Bombardier deliveries dropped by 20 business aircraft, to 70. Martel has further estimated Bombardier would hand over between 100 to 120 business jets next year, compared with 142 in 2019.