Funding boost for Belfast aircraft programme

The Government has agreed in principle to invest up to £180 million in Bombardier Aerospace in support of a new aircraft building programme.

The investment will allow the company to be selected as one of the key suppliers to parent company Bombardier on their new Cseries aircraft.

The aircraft programme will generate around 1,700 jobs directly and 1,500 more over the company’s supply chain, as well as creating a centre of excellence at Belfast on aircraft wing manufacture.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is world-class. Government backing for this programme, which marks a new era for Bombardier, is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that aerospace companies operating in the UK remain at the forefront of the industry.”