Bombardier delivered 137 business jets last year, down one from 2017, and expects to hand over 150 to 155 this year as it ramps up production of its flagship Global 7500, the company said today in a quarterly investor conference call. Last year’s shipments included 12 Learjet 70/75s, 60 Challenger 350s, 23 Challenger 650s, 41 Global 5000/6000s, and one Global 7500, compared with 14 Learjets, 79 Challengers (fifty-six 350s, twenty-one 650s, and two 850s), and 45 Global 5000/6000s in 2017.

Thanks to firmer aircraft pricing and a 14.3 percent increase in aftermarket sales, revenues at Bombardier Business Aircraft climbed $61 million last year, to $4.994 billion, while profits rose by $36 million, to $430 million. According to company guidance, revenue at the business jet division is expected to reach about $6.25 billion this year and $8.5 billion next year, largely due to Global 7500 ramp-up and service entry of its upgraded Global 5500 and 6500 later this year.

Meanwhile, a 1.1:1 book-to-bill ratio led to business jet backlog surging by $500 million last year, to $14.3 billion as of December 31. Backlog for the Global 7500 is “exceptionally strong,” said Bombardier Inc. president and CEO Alain Bellemare, with the next available delivery slot now in May 2022.