Metro and aircraft maker Bombardier Thursday reported an almost one-fifth drop in its aircraft sales in the fiscal year ending Jan 31 as compared to the last year. The world's third largest aircraft maker said it delivered 244 aircraft in the fiscal year as compared to 302 during the previous year - down 19 percent. In India, Bombardier supplies cars to Delhi Metro and turboprop aircraft to SpiceJet and has a facility at Savli near Baroda. During this period, the Montreal-based company shipped just 143 business jets as compared to 176 in the previous year. The number of commercial planes sold was also down to 97 from 121 shipped in the previous fiscal year. The company said the results were in keeping with 'the previously announced guidance to deliver approximately 15 per cent less business aircraft and 20 per cent fewer commercial aircraft in fiscal year 2010/11, compared to the previous fiscal year. However, it received fresh orders for 201 aircraft as compared to just 11 for the previous fiscal year, with the fourth quarter alone fetching it orders for 74 business aircraft. In its forecast for 2011, Bombardier said it expected to deliver 150 business aircraft and 90 commercial aircraft. The Canadian giant called this year's results 'a solid performance'' in view of the continued impact of the global meltdown on the aviation industry. 'With a comprehensive portfolio of products, we believe our fundamentals are strong in the long term for both the business and commercial aircraft markets,'' said Guy C. Hachey, president and CEO of Bombardier Aerospace, in a statement. 'The aviation industry is cyclical by nature and Bombardier's long history of success is attributable to our ability to face each challenge head-on, focus on the things we can control and put our plans into action,'' he added. Despite the continuing downturn, Bombardier last year unveiled two new jets, the Global 7000 and Global 8000, to reaffirm its undisputed position in the business jet category. While the Global 7000 will have a range of 13,520 kilometres, the Global 8000 can fly a globe-girdling range of 14,631 kilometres. With these two planes, the company now has a flagship aircraft family of the large, ultra-long range with the Global 5000, Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets. Thursday also marked the the entry into service of its 300th Challenger 300 business jet.
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