New AeroSpace industry hub to open in Northern Ireland

A|D|S, the UK’s AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today (Wednesday), at the Farnborough International Airshow, launches its Northern Ireland office in association with Invest Northern Ireland.

The new presence for A|D|S will deliver a programme tailored to identify opportunities aimed at further developing Northern Ireland (NI) aerospace, defence and security companies to reach their full potential, increasing market share and raising awareness of NI manufacturing capability and technological achievements internationally. The office, kindly hosted by Bombardier in Belfast, will bring together leaders from the major global aerospace, defence, and security companies with a Northern Ireland presence, along with successful indigenous companies and academia to collectively decide policy and give direction to the A|D|S NI team. This team is led by Ian Watson, Director, A|D|S Northern Ireland and Scotland, chaired by David Beatty of Thales UK and managed by Dr Leslie Orr. Ian and Leslie will tour Northern Irish aerospace firms during the week commencing 26 July.

The formal launch and signatures of the agreement will take place later today at the Farnborough International Airshow at 1115 on the Invest Northern Ireland stand at Hall 1 stand number B13.

Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said:

“I am delighted to formally announce the launch of our Northern Ireland office. The UK is number one in Europe and second only to the US globally in aerospace and defence, with the sectors that we represent combining to employ 500,000 people and generate over £60 billion per year to the UK economy. The underlying reason for this strength is the diversity of its supply chain from the largest to the smallest companies and Northern Ireland is a perfect illustration of this. There are a great number of opportunities for businesses to enter the supply chain in Northern Ireland as well as for businesses based there who wish to access A|D|S services to boost their own exposure to UK and international trading opportunities.”

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said:

“The launch of A|D|S Northern Ireland office is recognition of the importance of this sector to both the Northern Ireland and wider UK economies. Through A|D|S, Northern Ireland member companies of all sizes will be able to access valuable resources to improve their capabilities, supply chain opportunities and new export based growth. This new office and the goals of A/D/S fit with Invest NI’s aerospace strategy of encouraging Northern Ireland based companies to seek higher value added opportunities within the global aerospace sector.”

David Beatty, Vice President and Managing Director – Thales, Belfast and Chairman of A|D|S Northern Ireland, said:

“It is excellent for Northern Ireland and its economy that the hard work of A|D|S, Invest Northern Ireland, academia and business has delivered an office that will join all our efforts together to boost the aerospace, defence and security sectors. We have put together a great team to deliver for A|D|S members in Northern Ireland and we now look forward to getting to work for these leading high-technology companies of all sizes.”

Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said:

“As a key part of the long and innovative aerospace tradition in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be able to support the establishment of this new A|D|S office. We welcome the opportunity for greater collaboration and cohesion amongst the aerospace companies in Northern Ireland that the new office will help facilitate, as well as the opportunity to further develop the capabilities and skills within this sector.”

The founding of A|D|S Northern Ireland and the launch of the Belfast office is the culmination of over twelve months’ work between A|D|S, the local industry, Invest Northern Ireland and other stakeholders to determine how best to add value to the aerospace, defence and security sectors within Northern Ireland. From market information and trade missions to supply chain improvement and skills development, A|D|S represents member companies, and works diligently in promoting the UK’s aerospace and defence sectors’ standing as number one in Europe and second only to the USA globally. The Northern Ireland sector now has an excellent opportunity to take similar control of its future through A|D|S Northern Ireland. A seamless resource of 100+ A|D|S staff located in the UK and overseas who have vast experience and knowledge across the entire spectrum of aerospace, defence, security and space will add considerable weight to the talents of the individual NI member companies.

Businesses interested in exploring opportunities in Northern Ireland with A|D|S should contact [email protected].