By Robert Gibbens, The GazetteNovember 13, 2009
 

Pierre Beaudoin, CEO of Bombardier Inc., confirmed Friday that the aerospace unit is likely to build a business jet larger than its existing Global Express to compete with Gulfstream's new long-range high-speed G650.

The G650 is being tested now and deliveries are due to start in 2012. "We won't leave space to the G650... absolutely not," Beaudoin told Bloomberg News.  

Analysts said the top end of the business jet market is holding up well in the present downturn, while the smaller aircraft, including Bombardier's Learjet series, has been hit badly. The large aircraft are sold to governments, multinational corporations and business tycoons.

They will pay $50 million U.S. or more for the fastest and biggest jet available and speculation has been rife for weeks that Bombardier may start with a cleansheet design rather than upgrade the Global Express. It has already had talks with engine manufacturers. The G650 is slightly faster than the Global Express.

Beaudoin  said burgeoning world trade will boost demand for long-range hjgh-speed business jets over the next few years. "Global businesses want an aircraft that can take you to China on Monday and to Europe and back to America... all in  a week."