Bombardier Inc. said on Friday the Canadian, Quebec and British governments will provide $700 million to help it build a new airliner, but it stopped short of officially launching the project.

The Montreal-based plane and train maker said it wants firm commitments from customers and suppliers for its proposed C Series passenger jet program, which will cost about $2.1 billion, before it commits itself.

Bombardier is seeking $700 million from suppliers in addition to the $700 million it plans to invest.

Engine development for the new 110-130 seat jet will add another $1 billion to the project, but the engine maker will fund that separately.

Ottawa said its funding hinges on Bombardier bringing in private-sector partners for the project.

"This is a very significant milestone as we progress in our discussions with customers and risk-sharing partners before our board considers a launch decision," Pierre Beaudoin, president of Bombardier Aerospace, said in a statement.

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