Stormont ministers to reach out in bid secure NI aerospace industry

Stormont ministers are to reach out to the incoming UK government as part of efforts to secure the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland amid uncertainty over the future of the Spirit AeroSystems operation in Belfast.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy answered an urgent question in the Assembly on Monday after confirmation of an acquisition deal that will see Boeing buy Spirit, but Airbus take over the part of Spirit’s operations involved in manufacturing its aircraft.

The transaction has effectively resulted in a split in the Spirit business in Belfast.

Airbus has taken over the part of the business that makes wings for its A220 jet, which encompasses around 40% of the 3,500 workforce.

However, there is now uncertainty around the future of the rest of the business, with Spirit looking to sell that separately.

Unions have voiced concern that the employees in the non-Airbus operations have been left in limbo.

Mr Murphy told the Assembly that he appreciated there would be a “nervousness” among the workforce.

“Obviously, the best outcome would have been Airbus to take the entirety of the operation here,” he said.

“They’re focused on the area around the wing production unit, which of course is good news for those involved. There’s a significant number of workers in relation to that particular part of the operation. But there are a larger number of workers that are outside of that.”

He said the process for Spirit to find a buyer for the rest of the business was set to take between six to 12 months.

“We are intending to reach out, I’m hoping actually perhaps this week to reach out to the department in London but certainly with an incoming government on the other side of this week, we have clearly intended to reach out there as well. And we will continue to engage,” said Mr Murphy.

“There is a recognition by Boeing and by Spirit and indeed by Airbus that there is a very highly skilled workforce here, that they have been performing remarkably well, that there is room for growth in the aerospace industry.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said they were “fully committed” to supporting Spirit AeroSystems and its employees.

“Spirit AeroSystems is a major employer in the north,” said Ms O’Neill.

“It is recognised across the globe for its engineering and manufacturing excellence and locally for its contribution to the local economy, employment and supply chain development. We discussed this issue at the Executive today and confirmed that we are all committed to working together to ensure the legacy of this long-standing company continues for many years.”

Ms Little-Pengelly said the aerospace industry in east Belfast was a significant part of Northern Ireland’s history and also of aviation history.

“We are proud of the high standard of technical, engineering and design capabilities within the skilled workforce here and are committed to working with everyone, including the UK Government, Airbus and Boeing, to ensure the company and its many employees here continue to play a vital role in this global industry,” she said.

Alan Perry, a senior organiser at the GMB union, voiced concern.

“Today’s announcement is very concerning for GMB members and what the future holds for those working on non-Airbus contracts,” he said.

“They’ve been left in limbo.

“We have been clear on the implications of this kind of Boeing acquisition, but we’ve yet to hear any assurances the Belfast site will be kept as one single entity.”