MONTRÉAL — VistaJet, a private UK aviation company, has signed a deal potentially worth $7.8 billion for as many as 142 Global business jets, says Bombardier Inc.

The Montreal based aerospace manufacturer said the deal includes firm orders for 56 Global jets and options for a further 86 Global jets at a 2012. The value of the firm order is approximately US$3.1 billion.

The firm order includes 25 Global 5000, 25 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in 2014. There are also options for 40 Global 5000, 40 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets.

VistaJet said the order is part of an expansion to make its services to international business travellers more accessible to the emerging markets.