Successful Strategy Boosts Sales Growth for NI Aerospace Sector
ADS has announced significant progress in Northern Ireland Partnering for Growth, the regional ten-year strategy for the aerospace, defence, security and space industry in Northern Ireland.
The strategy launched in 2014, set a target to increase annual turnover in the sector from £1billion to £2billion and to increase employment from 8,000 to 12,000 over the ten years from 2014 to 2024.
For five years industry and government have been working closely on the plan to grow the sector. Now, midway along the 10-year journey significant progress is being recorded. Annual revenues for the sector have increased substantially to £1.9billion and employment to 10,000 high value jobs. The 2024 targets are already well in reach and are likely to be exceeded.
The growth is driven by major primes in the region including Bombardier, Thales, Collins Aerospace, Thompson Aero Seating, RLC Group and Magellan Aerospace – all supported by a very strong supply chain of over 100 companies. The Northern Ireland aerospace supply chain is working on all major global aircraft programmes and is leading the way on SC21 aerospace supply chain excellence, holding 40% of the UK gold performance awards alongside a significant amount of silver awards.
A substantial proportion of the growth has come from the aircraft interiors market. Collins Aerospace based in Kilkeel and Thompson Aero Seating based in Portadown together supply one third of the global market for aircraft seats.
The strategy is led by ADS, implemented by industry and supported by Invest Northern Ireland. Working groups have focused on aerospace skills development, supply chain competitiveness, technology development and together reaching out and winning international sales.
Paul Everitt, ADS Chief Executive said:
“Partnering for Growth is a great success and demonstrates the importance of government and industry working together to deliver more long-term, high value jobs. The support companies can access to improve productivity, to develop their own technology and to reach important international customers is making a real difference.
“Despite Brexit concerns and intense global competition, the progress we’ve announced today demonstrates the enthusiasm, commitment and increasing confidence of the sector and the work being done. There continues to be global growth opportunities across the aerospace, defence, space and security industries and ADS is committed to continue its support for this important programme.”
Alastair Hamilton, CEO Invest Northern Ireland said:
“It is pleasing to see the hard work of the last five years result in increased annual revenues and strong employment levels. This performance means the 2024 targets are well within reach and are likely to be exceeded.
“Our strong supply chain of over 100 companies continue to invest, grow and achieve and as a result have a strong global reputation. We need to continue our efforts to retain and build on this for the future.”