Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast will play a major role in designing and manufacturing a new intercontinental business jet that will be launched by Bombardier's Canadian parent in 2003.

Participation in the new Global 5000 programme has been seen as a major vote of confidence in the Belfast division by Bombardier Aerospace.

Mr Michael Ryan, Bombardier's vice-president and general manager in Northern Ireland, said yesterday that it remained a difficult period for the company, but that the Global 5000 programme was an important boost for the North's economy.