Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has welcomed the long-term commitment from Airbus following its announcement that it has now reached a ‘definitive deal’ to acquire parts of Spirit AeroSystems but concerns still remain.

Ms Armstrong said, “Today’s news that Airbus will take over Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast operations is very welcome but concerns still remain about the non-Airbus work conducted by Spirit. This site has been a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s economy for generations, supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs and showcasing the excellence of our manufacturing sector on the global stage.”

“Airbus’ commitment provides much needed certainty and a strong foundation for future growth in the UK aerospace sector, especially in these challenging times for global trade. I am confident that, under Airbus’ leadership, their specific operations will continue to contribute significantly to our local economy, but we need to see more assurances on the non-Airbus work.

“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to support efforts to strengthen our aerospace sector and ensure Northern Ireland maintains an edge in advanced manufacturing.”