Airbus today declared it is “proud” to welcome more than 1,200 employees at Prestwick, as it completed a deal with Spirit AeroSystems for the acquisition of industrial assets dedicated to its commercial aircraft programmes.
The European aeroplane manufacturing giant noted it had taken ownership of the production of wing components for the A320 and A350 aircraft at Prestwick, with this operation becoming an affiliate of Airbus named Prestwick Aerosystems.
Airbus’ deal with Spirit AeroSystems, which has been acquired by Boeing, covers operations in the US, France and Morocco as well as in the UK. Boeing announced today it had completed its purchase of Spirit AeroSystems.
Jerome Blandin, head of wing operations for Airbus' commercial aircraft, declared the plane maker’s “immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for all employees and providing stability to our operations” as he highlighted the acquisition of “key work packages” at Prestwick and Belfast.
He underlined Airbus’ investment in the “long-term future of these high-value industrial sites and their skilled workforces”.
Mr Blandin said: “We are also proud to welcome more than 1,200 employees in Prestwick, who join us as part of the affiliate business, Prestwick Aerosystems. The acquired capabilities deliver essential work content on the A320 and A350 aircraft and will provide stability and support our ramp-up objectives on both key Airbus programmes.”
He added: “Airbus has completed the acquisition of key work packages in Belfast and Prestwick, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s aerospace sector and strengthening the resilience of the supply chain, which supports more than 104,000 jobs in the country.
“In Belfast, Airbus welcomes around 1,600 employees, delivering crucial work packages in A220 composite wing and mid-fuselage which are critical to Airbus’ production ramp-up. Our goal is to provide a best-in-class environment for our operations, investing in the facilities, people and systems to make Belfast our centre of excellence for the A220 wing."
Read more
- Scottish flight growth plans highlighted by airline chief
- Scottish flight ambitions underlined by airline which proved sceptics wrong
- Glasgow Airport boss flags Edinburgh lure as aims to win share
- Glasgow Airport chief reveals talks with Emirates on flights
- Scotland airports flight wins boost Glasgow and Prestwick
- Crucial flight wins for Scottish airports cause for celebration
- Scottish airport to see 'comprehensive transformation' of main terminal building
He noted the non-Airbus operations in Belfast have transferred to Boeing.
Mr Blandin said: “By integrating the rich history of innovation in Belfast and Prestwick into our existing operations in Broughton and Filton, we are further bolstering our world-class design and manufacturing capabilities in the UK.
“Our immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for all employees and providing stability to our operations. We will continue close engagement with our new teams, union representatives and government partners, underscoring our investment in the sustainable, long-term future of these high-value industrial sites and their skilled workforces.”
