U.K. Government Announce Backing for Bombardier’s Belfast Aircraft Program

Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward and Business Secretary John Hutton have welcomed Bombardier’s investment of more than £500 million in Northern Ireland that will see Belfast design and manufacture the wings for the aerospace company’s new aircraft. The UK Government has also agreed in principle to provide £52 million to the project, part of a wider £155 million government investment package in Bombardier.

The government investment, which is mainly repayable launch investment, has helped secure Bombardier Aerospace Belfast’s selection as one of the key suppliers to parent company Bombardier on their new 110-130 seat CSeries family of airliners. The funding will sustain over 800 jobs in Belfast.

For Belfast and the wider UK aerospace sector, the program will:

* Create a center of excellence in Belfast on aircraft wing manufacturing, thereby consolidating the UK’s position as a world leader in this field

* Sustain over 800 jobs at Bombardier Aerospace Belfast, with the potential to sustain over 1,100 jobs at the company’s local operation over the peak production period if further work is secured

Bombardier’s investment will also benefit the wider UK aerospace supply chain, and the company is discussing possible work packages with a range of companies based around the UK. The Government expects wider UK aerospace industry to capitalize on this opportunity, particularly in the area of composite materials, placing the UK well for future civil aircraft programs.

Shaun Woodward, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said:

“This proves that devolution is winning for Northern Ireland. This is great news not just for Bombardier in Belfast but for the wider community.

“It also represents a great vote of confidence in the future Northern Ireland.”

John Hutton, Business Secretary, said:

“The UK’s aerospace industry is world-class. This investment in Belfast demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting high-tech, high-skilled aerospace companies in the UK and ensure we remain a world leader in this sector.

“This package of support will see the return of aircraft wing production and bring new composite materials technology for wing design and manufacturing to Bombardier Aerospace Belfast, adding to the company’s strengths.”

Source: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform

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