Weak Learjet and fewer large-cabin deliveries caused business jet shipments at Bombardier Aerospace to skid 31 percent in the first quarter, the company announced today. In all, Bombardier Business Aircraft handed over 31 business jets to customers (one Learjet 70/75, 14 Challenger 350s, two Challenger 650s and 14 Global 5000/6000s) in the quarter, compared with 45 aircraft (nine Learjets, 14 Challenger 350s, five Challenger 605/650s and 17 Globals) in the same period last year.

However, year-over-year business jet sales during the quarter more than doubled to 40 net orders—a gain almost entirely thanks to a fleet order from an undisclosed customer for 20 Challenger 350s worth $534 million. This pushed its business jet backlog up to $17.3 billion as of March 31, while book-to-bill was in positive territory at 1.3:1 during the quarter.

First-quarter revenues and profits at Bombardier Business Aircraft each fell by 15 percent, to $1.303 billion and $82 million, respectively. Bombardier president and CEO Alain Bellemare acknowledged the “volatile” business jet market, but said the division is well positioned in the market and is gaining sales. Bombardier expects to deliver 150 business jets this year, down from 199 last year.