Thompson Aero Seating plans future airline seat designs
Thompson Aero Seating, part of AVIC Cabin Systems, yesterday welcomed the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns MP, Diane Dodds MLA Northern Ireland and Leslie Orr, Director of ADS Northern Ireland, to hear about the company's plans for the innovative design development of future airline seats.
Above:
Neil Taggart, Vice President and General Manager at Thompson welcomed Diane Dodds, Minister Burns and Dr Orr, who heads the ADS NI group, which represents and supports over 100 NI businesses in the aerospace, defence, security and space industries globally.
Courtesy AVIC Cabin Systems
Continuing its focus on transformation and recovery, Thompson Aero Seating reinforced its position as an industry leader in airline seat design and manufacture, by securing several significant new contracts during 2021 worth more than £100 million.
The delegation was treated to a tour of the facility and spoke personally to the team working on the shop floor who are involved in manufacturing Thompson’s range of Vantage seats for commercial aircraft. They also met with more of the Thompson team, including Peter Bell, Chief Financial Officer; Gordon Cracknell, Head of Operations; Mark Collins, Head of HR and Development; and David McCabe, Head of Transformation.
Explaining his interest in visiting, the Minister said: “Northern Ireland is a world leader in the aerospace manufacturing industry, providing high-skilled, high-paid jobs across the region.
"I was delighted to visit Thompson Aero Seating and hear about the growth of such a dynamic business. I was especially interested in hearing about their plans to develop aerospace design, test and manufacturing capability in Northern Ireland for the benefit of all working in the industry."
Dr Leslie Orr, Director, ADS Northern Ireland, said: “Great to have Minister Conor Burns visit Thompson Aero Seating to see exceptional engineering innovation. Northern Ireland is a leading region in the manufacture and supply of aircraft interior products, with around 50% of UK interiors’ output. There is a very capable supply chain and we are working together to further grow this vital industry in Northern Ireland.”
Neil Taggart said: “The whole aircraft industry has been through extremely difficult times with travel being restricted across the world under Covid regulations. However, Thompson Aero Seating has taken a bold stance and our reputation for innovative aircraft seating with the very highest of design and build quality has helped to secure our future in the market. We are delighted to welcome the delegation of VIPs and are very proud to show them what we have achieved globally from this small part of Northern Ireland and what we continue to achieve as a leader in airline seat design and manufacture.”