Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Lyons hails innovation and resilience of Thales Belfast

Aerospace

Lyons hails innovation and resilience of Thales Belfast

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has commended Thales Belfast on its continuing innovation and resilience throughout the pandemic.

Above: Economy Minister Gordon Lyons (centre) with Philip McBride, Managing Director and David Gilleece, Operations Director, Thales Belfast.
Courtesy Thales Belfast

The Minister visited the Thales facility at Castlereagh where he received an update on the company’s Belfast and wider UK operations and viewed the business’s Covid safe working practices.
Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: “Thales has a 60-year heritage in Northern Ireland in leading-edge, high technology engineering, employing around 500 people and sustaining a significant wider local supply chain.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“The company has shown great resilience through what has been a very challenging period, continuing to innovate and push the local engineering sector forward, whilst putting in place safe working practices for company staff.

“The company’s position as a global leader was underlined by its recent success in securing a significant contract from the Ministry of Defence and its impressive presence at the Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition in London earlier this month.

“I found my visit to be engaging and enlightening and I wish the company the very best for the future.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Philip McBride, Managing Director of Thales Belfast, said: “We were delighted to host Minister Lyons at our facility in Castlereagh, where we showed him our leading edge technology, developed by Thales Belfast and underpinned by our supply chain in Northern Ireland.

“Our ongoing success allows us to continue to provide highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and supports the development of the next generation of engineering excellence, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Northern Ireland Executive and Invest Northern Ireland in that endeavour.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Consultation launched on Heathrow expansion framework

Aerospace

Consultation launched on Heathrow expansion framework

19 June 2026

The UK government has launched a public consultation on the framework for future decisions on Heathrow’s third runway.

EasyJet takes delivery of 100th A320neo

Aerospace

EasyJet takes delivery of 100th A320neo

18 June 2026

EasyJet has taken delivery of its 100th A320neo Family aircraft, underscoring the airline’s commitment to modernising its fleet and improving operational efficiency.

Britten-Norman and AAI activate Global Aircraft Recovery service

Aerospace

Britten-Norman and AAI activate Global Aircraft Recovery service

17 June 2026

British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has launched the Global Aircraft Recovery (GAR) service, delivered in collaboration with specialist partners, including Avitrius Air International.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Gatwick reveals refreshed construction frameworks

Aerospace

Gatwick reveals refreshed construction frameworks

17 June 2026

Gatwick has awarded its refreshed set of Building and Civils Frameworks, appointing 11 suppliers to support the airport’s ambitious capital investment programme.

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

Aerospace

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

17 June 2026

Phelan Green Hydrogen has announced it has licensed technologies from Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies (JM CT) for its planned electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB