Belfast Aerospace Base 'Takes Off'

NI's construction and engineering sectors 'merged' today as the first bricks were laid in a state-of-the-art aircraft wing manufacturing and assembly facility in east Belfast.

Bombardier Aerospace celebrated another major milestone in the CSeries aircraft programme as construction officially got under way on its new 600,000 sq ft (55,742 m2) factory - which is being built in two phases - and will incorporate an existing production building.

Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Michael Ryan, and NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster laid a special corner stone to mark the construction of the facility.

Noting that the location of the CSeries aircraft wing project in Northern Ireland is "a clear endorsement of the expertise and skill which exist in our aerospace sector" she said that it also highlighted NI's international reputation for excellence.

"I hope that there will be further opportunities for Bombardier and Invest Northern Ireland to strengthen the Northern Ireland aerospace industry," the Minister said.

The Stormont Executive Minister was shown the facility's design and layout, which are being optimised both for the production process and to minimise environmental impact.

She was told that almost 400 engineering and support staff in Belfast are currently engaged in the research and development of the wings.

Some 800 jobs will be also generated during full production, as well as many more in the wider supply chain.

In addition, around 450 construction personnel are involved in this first phase of the building project.

"We are delighted that Bombardier Belfast’s capabilities and skills, as well as the wider economy, will benefit strongly from the CSeries aircraft programme," Mr Ryan concluded.

Since launching the CSeries family of aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 50 CS100 and CS300 aircraft from Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Lease Corporation International Group.

According to the company, the CSeries aircraft, which are optimized for the longer range, single-aisle 100-to 145-seat market, will deliver the lowest operating costs in their class, exceptional operational flexibility, wide body comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard.

The main contractors involved in the construction of the CSeries wing facility are Scott Wilson, Belfast - who are the design consultancy - and John Sisk and Son, Belfast, the building contractors.

See: NI Takes Off At Paris Air Show

(BMcC/KMcA)