Engineering news
Saudi Arabia's national airline has ordered 16 new aircraft from Bombardier Aerospace in a deal worth £733 million.
SaudiGulf Airlines has agreed to buy 16 CSeries planes, which are partly built in Belfast. An additional 10 jetliners could follow, bringing the total investment to almost £1.2 billion.
The newly-launched carrier has become the third CSeries customer from the Middle East.
Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said: "We have long been noting that the CSeries aircraft is attracting progressive airlines that are keen on opening new markets and operations.
"In addition to supporting SaudiGulf Airlines in the region, the CS300 aircraft will allow for growth into new markets such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Europe, as the airline seeks to expand its network and give passengers the latest in cabin comfort."
Bombardier's 600,000-square-foot factory in Belfast is producing wings for the CSeries aircraft, which had its successful maiden flight last year.
The wings are made using an innovative carbon-fibre composite technology which enables material and aircraft weight savings and which in turn reduces manufacturing times and fuel used.
Sheikh Tariq Al Qahtani, chairman of SaudiGulf Airlines, said: "With its clean-sheet design, modern technologies and competitive costs, the CSeries aircraft will give us the opportunity to introduce a new, quality, premium airline and an economically sustainable business model in Saudi Arabia, serving the domestic market, the Gulf and Middle East."