Jobs protected in Airbus deal
An order for 100 new Airbus aircraft will safeguard 9000 jobs across the UK.
The Prime Minister has visited the Airbus Broughton plant to welcome the announcement of a deal for new aircraft orders that will protect 1500 UK-based jobs at Airbus and a further 7500 in its wider supply chain.
Malaysian carrier AirAsia has placed an order for 100 Airbus aircraft, which will safeguard jobs at the manufacturer and its wider suppliers. The Broughton plant in North Wales assembles wings for a range of Airbus models including the A380 superjumbo.
David Cameron joined AirAsia’s Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes to tour the facility and meet some of the staff who will help build the aircraft.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
This is excellent news and a tremendous boost for the workforce and for UK manufacturing.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the strength of the UK aerospace sector and the important role it plays in growing and rebalancing our economy.
This Government will continue to back UK aerospace; cutting business taxes, investing in exports and working in partnership with the industry to ensure it is fully equipped to compete and thrive in the global race.”
Tom Williams, Executive Vice President, Programmes and senior UK representative for Airbus said:
This order comes as a huge boost for the teams in Broughton and we are delighted to welcome the Prime Minister and the Chief Executive of AirAsia to the plant to see the skills and expertise of the team in action today.
The deal comes a year after the Prime Minister opened a new wings factory at Airbus Broughton. The £400 million plant produces high-tech carbon fibre ‘composite’ wings for Airbus’ advanced new A350 long-range aircraft family.