Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
£1billion deal to buy Bombardier
MPS and union welcome sale of aerospace giant
BOMBARDIER is to be sold for £1billion to a US firm in what has been described as a “vote of confidence”.
Spirit Aerosystems Holdings has entered into an amended definitive agreement to buy its aerostructures operation in a deal which could be completed by Friday.
The agreement will see S p i r i t a c q u i re B o mbard i e r ’s a ero str uctures activ iti es and aftermarket services operations in Belfast and Morocco.
Its maintenance and repair facility in Dallas is also included.
A spokesman for Bombardier, which employs 2,900 staff at its East Belfast site, said: “We are delighted with the announcement and look forward to becoming part of Spirt Aerosystems. We cannot comment further.” The annouoncement has also been welcomed by local representatives who said it is “great news” for Bombardier.
East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson added: “Today marks a ver y positive day for the local workforce and the future of the A220 Planes.
“I am delighted the sale has now concluded and Spirit are a very good fit for the local business and everyone will be hopeful for the future.”
Alliance MP For North Down Stephen Farry said: “This is great news for Bombardier in NI, plus the wider supply chain and skills base.
“We have come a long way from the fears of major losses.”
Unite spokesman Jackie Pollock said: “Today ’s announcement c onf irms t h e a c q u i si t i o n of Bombardier aero-structure operations by Spirit Aerosystems. “It is positive news and will safeguard jobs as well as vital economic output and demand.
“It represents a vote of confidence i n No r t h e r n Ireland’s aerospace sector.”
And Ulster Unioni st ML A Andy Allen said: “Thi s is good news for the workforce and will come as a relief.”