Bombardier is closing in on the second deal for its C Series jet since reaching a landmark agreement with Airbus a few weeks ago that will see the European aircraft maker take control of the programme to help revive the plane’s fortunes.

EgyptAir Airlines plans to buy 12 of Bombardier’s CS300, the biggest variant of the narrow-body jet, and has options for a further 12, the carrier said at the Dubai Air Show. The deal is valued at $1.1bn (€943m) before discounts.

The accord is a significant win for Bombardier and its operations in Belfast where it employs 4,000 people, which gains another customer for its new jet less than a month after the company agreed to cede control of the C Series to Airbus in exchange for the European planemaker’s marketing heft, manufacturing expertise and financial muscle.