Bombardier’s UK facility in Belfast will receive local government funding worth nearly £12 million ($15.8 million) to develop thrust-reversers for an Airbus A320neo nacelle.
The UK Treasury says that the funding will "help the company secure long-term manufacturing jobs in Belfast" and "cement the UK’s role as a leading manufacturer of high-tech aircraft components".
Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed the effort during a visit to Bombardier’s Short Brothers subsidiary in Belfast on 25 July. He told UK broadcaster ITV that the funding is about "the future of Bombardier", and represents "the British government's support for Bombardier".
Part of the financial support will be provided by regional development agency Invest Northern Ireland.
Bombardier disclosed late last year that its Aerostructures and Engineering Services division had won a contract from Airbus to produce thrust-reversers for nacelles of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered A320neos.
Airbus is developing the equipment in competition against current geared-turbofan nacelle producer United Technologies.
At the Belfast site, Bombardier also produces wings for the A220 programme, over which Airbus took control earlier this month.
In 2017, Bombardier's Belfast facility generated a $20 million operating loss.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
