A service that will give business and political leaders in Northern Ireland and the Republic the option of hiring a commercial jet by the hour has been launched by Bombardier Aerospace, writes Francess McDonnell.

The Canadian group will target wealthy individuals, corporate leaders and political representatives on both sides of the Border with its Flexjet option. Bombardier operates one of North America's largest fractional ownership programmes whereby companies and individuals buy a share in an aircraft. It said its research showed a demand for a similar service, but based on an hourly price in Europe.

Meanwhile, members of the Manufacturing Science and Finance Union at Bombardier yesterday voted overwhelming against strike action at the Belfast plant.