Bombardier reported consolidated revenues of $3.5 billion in the first quarter with an order backlog of $32.3 billion for the diversified transportation company.

Its aerospace division reported earnings of $1.9 billion and a backlog of $10.6 billion. It delivered 77 aircraft in the quarter. Its margin reached $280 million or 14.4 percent of revenues, compared to $271 million or 14 percent in the year-ago period. The company cited increased turboprop deliveries for its improved earnings, but said it was partially offset by lower deliveries of CRJ200 aircraft, lower selling prices for regional aircraft and lower net margin on spares. Even so, its business aircraft side contributed to the results with both increased deliveries and improved selling prices.

Aircraft deliveries were down compared to the 81 in the year-ago period. Deliveries included 24 regional aircraft compared to 38 in the first quarter 2005. Business aircraft deliveries were up 10 units to 53 owing to increased deliveries of the Learjet 50, Global Express XRS and the Learjet 45 XR.

Bombardier received 19 net orders for regional aircraft, compared to 43 for the year-ago period, including six CRJ900 aircraft from Air One of Italy; five CRJ700s from GE Commercial Aviation Services for GoJet Airlines in the US; and three Q300s from National Air Support of Australia. For business aircraft, the company received 33 net orders compared to 39 in the same period last year. Its firm order backlog totaled $10.6 billion compared to $10.7 billion as of January 31, 2006. As a result of the ramp up to meet significant orders received last year, deliveries have exceeded new orders for some business aircraft programs as well as for the Q400, which was responsible for the drop in the backlog value.