Bombardier Aerospace is pressing ahead with development work to improve the environmental performance of its Learjet 85 aircraft.

The Canadian company has been working on composite wings that make a plane lighter and, therefore, more fuel efficient.

Bombardier has confirmed that the development and production of advanced composite wing skin panels and spar components for the Learjet 85 business jet will be undertaken at its complex in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Final assembly of the wings will take place at Bombardier's plant in Queretaro, Mexico.

Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast will produce the primary wing structures using its Resin Transfer Infusion (RTI) process, currently being developed in Belfast for the company's CSeries aircraft's advanced composite wings.

Expanding the technology to the Learjet 85 will provide an opportunity to further develop the design and manufacture of advanced composite wings, according to the firm.

Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: ''Given the success we have had to date with our CSeries aircraft demonstrator wing using the RTI technology, we are confident that this process can be further developed, adapted and applied to our Learjet 85 business jet.''

Ralph Acs, Vice President, Learjet 85, Bombardier Business Aircraft, said: ''Our Belfast facility is a centre of excellence for advanced composite technology, giving us access to the latest available processes while leveraging our in-house capabilities in order to develop an aircraft that offers optimal performance, reliability and comfort.''

Launched on October 30, 2007, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet with both fuselage and wings built primarily from carbon composites designed for certification under US Federal Aviation Administration regulations.