Airbus Buys Majority Stake In Bombardier's C Series Aircraft Jets

Airbus has bought a majority stake in Bombardier's C-Series aircraft programme.

The firm has acquired 51% in the C-Series Aircraft Limited Partnership.

DUP leader Arlene Foster welcomed the announcement and said it was "significant news" for Bombardier.

She said: "Airbus clearly recognise the value of the C-Series. I welcome their interest and investment. Having personally supported the aircraft through its development, I'm thrilled there is a bright future ahead following what has been a dark time for staff and management. Airbus are a fitting partner. I look forward to engaging with them closely. Airbus and Bombardier Belfast know each other well. There are good synergies between the companies. I hope this will safeguard the C-Series programme."

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson added: "Over the last four months, our focus has been the Belfast workforce and securing a successful resolution to this ongoing dispute. Whilst there is some way to travel, we will offer our full support in securing the necessary regulatory approvals. The commitment to the Belfast facility is a testament to the ingenuity of the workforce. They should be proud that their valuable capability will continue to play a crucial role in C-Series."

Sinn Féin leader in the North Michelle O'Neill MLA said: "This is a good news story for Bombardier, for its workforce in Belfast and the local economy.

"The deal with Airbus will help secure the future of the workforce in Belfast and sales of the C-Series planes, whose wings are manufactured in Belfast.

"Sinn Féin's focus over recent weeks has been on safeguarding the welfare and livelihoods of Bombardier’s workers since news broke about the possibility the US Department of Commerce might impose punitive tariffs on Bombardier.

"This deal between Airbus and Bombardier will go some way to allay those fears and will come as a relief to the workers and their families and all those local businesses involved in the Bombardier supply chain."

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry said: "This is a very encouraging development. While we appreciate that there is a need for a series of regulatory approvals before this deal can be finalised, this has the potential to secure the long-term future of Bombardier in Belfast. Bombardier and its associated local supply chain lie at the heart of the manufacturing economy in Northern Ireland.

"We will be discussing this announcement with Bombardier, Unite, and Government and seeking assurances around the full implications locally.

"It is disappointing that this type of measure has to be taken to protect against the impact of punitive tariffs imposed from the United States Department of Commerce, and efforts should continue to challenge this anti-competitive move which has much wider implications for the future of global trade."

Bombardier employs over 4,000 people in Northern Ireland.

(CD/JP)