The announcement is for a UK repayable investment to Bombardier for the development of composite wings for the new C-Series aircraft.
The Minister said: “This is another important step forward for the Bombardier C-Series programme and for the whole aerospace sector in Northern Ireland.
“The development and manufacture of full-scale composite wings for a new generation of aircraft such as the C-Series will require the development of new cutting-edge technologies which do not yet exist. That Bombardier has selected Northern Ireland as the location to undertake such work, is a strong endorsement of the research, development and innovative capability in our aerospace sector.
"The associated substantial industrial research, experimental development and introduction of new manufacturing technologies will undoubtedly result in significant knowledge-sharing within the sector and beyond.”
The Minister continued: “Today’s announcement follows on from last week’s recommendation by DOE Planning Service to Belfast City Council that it should approve a proposal for a new 700,000 square feet factory at Bombardier's Airport Road West site where the advanced composite wings will be manufactured.”
Notes to Editors:
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