MONTREAL - Bombardier has signed previously announced US$1.2 billion in contracts to supply and maintain railway cars that will secure 1,000 jobs at its Derby facility in England.

The company will supply 665 Aventra railcars to government-selected railway operator Abellio as part of a broader effort to improve service in the region of East Anglia.

The entire project is described as the largest privately-procured train order in the U.K.

In addition to the US$1.1 billion deal, Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) signed a separate US$108-million maintenance contract for seven years.

The new trains are expected to be delivered between January 2019 and September 2020.