Canada’s Bombardier Inc. have announced their first quarter earnings which see the company tripling its profits. The industrial conglomerate’s success was led by deliveries of business jets made by its aerospace division, which manufactures such popular jets as the Global Express XRS as well as the popular Challenger and Learjet lines. Bombardier delivered a total of 87 aircraft during the quarter, up almost 12% from first quarter 2007.

But while Bombardier cashed in as it delivered on previous orders, mostly made years in advance, the firm saw its orders in the first quarter of 2008 dip compared to the same quarter last year. But just after the end of the fiscal first quarter Bombardier secured one of the largest business jets in its history from VistaJet: 35 firm orders, and options for 25 more.

With fuel prices spiraling, Bombardier’s trade in regional commercial jets could be at risk, as airlines look to cut back. As business jet demand recently seems almost immune to economic pressures, the company may focus even more of its efforts in that burgeoning market.