Aircraft Program Will Support Over 6,000 Jobs Across The UK

The British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron, officially opened Airbus’ new wing factory in Wales Thursday afternoon. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will assemble the wings for Airbus’ advanced new A350 XWB long-range aircraft family.

The Prime Minister (pictured) joined hundreds of guests and Airbus employees to unveil the giant, environmentally friendly Airbus North Factory at Broughton, Flintshire where 650 people will eventually work. Bigger than Wembley Stadium, it is one of the largest manufacturing facilities to be built in the UK in recent years and will produce high-tech carbon fiber ‘composite’ wings for the A350 XWB.

The A350 XWB program will support over 1,200 jobs in the Airbus sites at Filton and Broughton and over 5,000 other high skill/high value jobs across the UK supply chain. Over £3 billion has been invested in the aircraft and its engines by UK aerospace companies in the program which underpins the key position of the UK as a global centre of aerospace manufacture.

“The Government is committed to building a more balanced economy with stronger manufacturing, exports and private investment, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK," Cameron said. "I welcome the opening of Airbus's new state of the art facility which will contribute to this and support our program to create sustainable economic growth. Airbus's investment here also underlines its confidence in the expertise of its British workforce and in the UK's manufacturing base.”

"This magnificent facility is a key part of the A350 XWB program which will help sustain and support thousands of jobs across the UK," said Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan. "I have been a frequent visitor to Airbus and am confident this will further cement Wales' growing reputation as a first class innovator and leader in the Aerospace and supply chain sector. The new A350 XWB facility is great news for the North Wales economy and a tangible example of the kind of private sector growth the Government is working to create."

XWB Wing Factory Airbus Image

“The opening of this world class facility is a major achievement and excellent news for Wales," added First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones. "The Welsh Government and Airbus are delighted to be able to celebrate such a significant event which underlines a major investment in Broughton and reinforces our reputation as a country with high end manufacturing skills and high value products”. 

“The Airbus North Factory, a truly world-leading aircraft wing assembly plant, is a major pillar in the Airbus global setup. The opening today marks an important milestone for our A350 program as we move towards the start of the aircraft final assembly”, said Airbus Chief Executive, Tom Enders. “This new facility and all the teams working on building our A350’s carbon-fiber wings will play a vital role in delivering this new generation aircraft.”

FMI: www.airbus.com