Bombardier Reports Sustained Demand for Business Jets Despite Leveling Off of Private Flying, and Increased Cash Burn to Support Production

Business jet makers are reporting sustained demand for their aircraft, despite industry data showing that private flying has been leveling off after years of growth spurred by the pandemic. Bombardier reported 20 aircraft deliveries in the first quarter, which it said will put it on track to handover 150 to 155 jets this year. Revenue, however, declined 12% to $1.3 billion in the quarter due to the delivery of less pricier aircraft. But orders for Bombardier’s jets rose 60% in the first quarter, pushing the company’s backlog to $14.9 billion.

On Thursday, Bombardier reported a higher first-quarter cash burn as it builds up inventory to support increased production of business jets amid resilient demand for private flying. Cash burn for the quarter through March was $387 million, compared with $247 million a year earlier. The Montreal-based company is facing pressure from rival General Dynamics’ Gulfstream, which had its flagship G700 luxury jet certified last month by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Revenue from Bombardier’s services business rose 13% to $477 million in the quarter. However, on a per share basis, adjusted profit fell to 36 cents from $1.06 a year earlier and quarterly profit fell to $110 million from $302 million in the same period last year.