Aircraft deal 'secures 750 jobs'

The factory will build wing parts for the new A350 XWB.

An aircraft assembly plant in Ayrshire has secured two contracts to design parts for Airbus aeroplanes.

Prestwick-based Spirit Europe said it hoped the contracts would safeguard 750 jobs for the next nine years.

The firm has won a contract to design and manufacture a major wing component for the new Airbus A350 XWB.

The facility has also had its current contract to produce parts for the A319, A320 and A321 range extended from 2011 until 2015.

The extension will be worth £900m, while the new agreement to build wing parts for the A350 XWB (Xtra Wide Body) will see Prestwick receive a significant share of a £1bn contract which will last until 2017.

Spirit Europe, the UK-based European headquarters of Spirit AeroSystems, said the deals were "fantastic news" for the UK aerospace industry.

We have to make sure that this kind of investment continues to be made to keep our aerospace industry and our local economy as vibrant as possible Brian Donohoe MP

The firm bought the Prestwick facility from BAE Systems for £80m two years ago.

Neil McManus, vice president and managing director of Spirit Europe, said: "We already have a long history of producing major wing structures in the UK for current Airbus models such as the A320 and A380.

"This contract win means that we will be playing just as vital a role in their newest model, the A350 XWB. It is fantastic news for aerospace manufacturing in the UK."

Spirit will design and assemble the 32m-long wing leading edge structure primarily in Prestwick, with other parts made in North Carolina and Malaysia.

Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe welcomed the announcement, which he said was a massive boost for the Ayrshire economy.

Mr Donohoe added: "Today's announcement by Spirit Europe is excellent news for manufacturing in Ayrshire, the aerospace industry in Scotland and composite technology expertise in the UK.

"Recognising that companies like Spirit are the lifeblood of the local economy, we have to make sure that this kind of investment continues to be made to keep our aerospace industry and our local economy as vibrant as possible.

"I congratulate all the staff in achieving this work and look forward to continuing to grow the business at Prestwick."