British Airways decision “bad news” for province

Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell, has described the decision by British Airways to discontinue flights between Belfast International Airport and London Heathrow as “bad news” for Northern Ireland.

"The loss of this strategic connection by a major flag-carrier will have major implications for business travellers, tourists, and those who use this route regularly as the connection from Belfast to London and as a hub for other international destinations,” said Mr Campbell. “The loss of jobs, following so quickly on yesterday’s announcements by Shorts Bombardier, will also be a devastating blow for the staff involved. I have asked my officials to liase urgently with officials in DETI and the Tourist Board to consider the wider economic and tourist implications of this decision."

The Minister acknowledged that the horrendous terrorist attacks in the United States were now having a major knock-on effect on the airline and aerospace industries, which were already experiencing the effects of economic downturn and increasing competition.

Meanwhile, Sir Reg Empey, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has swiftly responded to the announcement from the Montreal Headquarters of Bombardier Aerospace of the potential redundancy of 6,500 workers worldwide - 1,600 of which will be in Belfast - with the loss of an additional 500 sub-contract workers who will have their contracts terminated.

He said: “On hearing the scale of the redundancies being planned, I briefed Patricia Hewitt, Minister at the Department of Trade and Industry, about the threat to the Northern Ireland economy and the likely impact on UK suppliers. The company places orders worth around £250 million annually to suppliers outside Northern Ireland. It must be recognised that this commercial decision has implications beyond Northern Ireland and requires a UK-wide response.” (CD)