11/12/2006

Invest NI announces support for Bombardier project

Invest Northern Ireland has today announced its support for a £3 million research and development project by Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast.

Bombardier will investigate and develop new materials and technologies, particularly within composites, to improve the design and structure of aircraft wings for the highly competitive international aerospace market.

The project is part of the UK wide Integrated Wing Aerospace Technology Validation Programme (ATVP).

Bombardier’s participation in the programme, which also aims to address sustainable aviation issues, is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and amounts to a total investment locally of more than £3.3 million.

The £34 million ATVP programme, which was announced at Airbus Broughton in North Wales today, is part of the National Aerospace Technology Strategy, and aims to increase the competitiveness of the UK aerospace sector.

Commenting on the Bombardier investment, Tracy Meharg, Invest NI's Managing Director of Innovation and Capability Development said: "Wing production and the development of innovative wing systems and structures are key growth areas for the UK aerospace industry.

"This programme will help to further advance Bombardier’s capabilities, improve its ability to secure hi-tech contracts and retain its leading position in the global aerospace market. It represents an important step in improving the competitiveness of companies within the sector and will help to address the increasing challenges presented by low cost countries."

Michael Ryan, Vice-president and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for us to participate in a collaborative research programme that will enable us to further develop our capabilities and skills in the design and manufacture of large aircraft structures."

The Integrated Wing Aerospace Technology Validation Programme is led by Airbus UK and funded by DTI, the regional development agencies and devolved administrations.

The programme is designed to pave the way for a step change in wing technologies and configurations addressing sustainable aviation issues such as development, production and maintenance costs.

(EF)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 January 2008
Aerospace Industry Highlights Way Forward: Dodds
A century of aerospace innovation has signaled the way forward to achieve sustained economic growth for Northern Ireland.
24 July 2002
NI aerospace industry represented at Farnborough
“Northern Ireland aerospace companies must strengthen their knowledge base and overall competitiveness with greater focus on innovation through R&D projects and technology transfer from collaboration with overseas partners,” said Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
18 July 2014
Bombardier Commits To Aerospace Supply Chain
Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast and B/E Aerospace (UK) in Kilkeel, County Down, have committed to the delivery of the UK aerospace and defence industry supply chain development programme, SC21. SC21 is a supply chain excellence programme that aims to influence best practice and help increase the competitiveness of aerospace and defence companies.
28 April 2009
Bombardier Executives Underline Commitment To NI
A high flying Bombardier management team from the company's HQ in Montreal has this week met with a party of top local politicians.
06 July 2009
Aerospace Companies Urged To Compete
Aerospace companies from across Northern Ireland are being urged to sign up to a UK-wide initiative which aims to make them more competitive.