The first Bombardier CRJ Series 700 aircraft, for which the 60 ft fuselage and engine framework are made in Belfast by the aerospace company Shorts, has been rolled out in Montreal, Canada.
Shorts vice-president and general manager Mr Ken Brundle said the success of the Canadair Regional Jet series was important to the Belfast workforce.
"Over 2,000 people are employed at Shorts on the design and manufacture of the engine nacelles and fuselages for both the 50- and 70-seat regional jet aircraft.
"Around 600 of these are employed on the CRJ Series 700, and this is expected to increase to 750 at full production," Mr Brundle said.
He added that more than 1,000 orders and options had been received so far for both aircraft.
The first nacelle for the CRJ Series 700 was delivered to General Electric Aircraft Engines in April 1998, and the first fuselage was sent to Montreal last November. Shorts employs about 6,500 people.
