Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Spirit AeroSystems' resilience recognised by NI Economy Minister

Aerospace

Spirit AeroSystems' resilience recognised by NI Economy Minister

Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Diane Dodds has praised the resilience, innovation and creativity of management and staff at Spirit AeroSystems during a visit to the wing factory at the company’s Belfast site.

Above: Economy Minister Diane Dodds alongside Spirit AeroSystems vice president and general manager Michael Ryan, with the new Spirit AeroSystems branding outside the wing factory following a meeting and tour of the plant.
Courtesy Spirit AeroSystems

Meeting with Michael Ryan, vice president and general manager of Spirit AeroSystems, the Minister learned about the award-winning composite technology developed by the company for the A220 wing. They discussed the ongoing challenges for aerospace, but also how the company was looking forward to being a force in developing the next generation of sustainable aerospace technologies through increased innovation and productivity, as the aerospace industry begins to recover.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Minister said: “The aerospace industry has long been one of Northern Ireland’s key economic drivers and has a vital role to play as we seek to recover, rebuild and rebound back stronger than ever.

“Spirit AeroSystems is renowned for its innovation and I am confident that the company will play an important part in helping to drive forward the principles highlighted within ‘10X Economy’, my Department’s economic vision, which seeks to embrace innovation to deliver a stronger economy with benefits for all our people. By focussing on innovation in areas where we have real strengths, such as the aerospace sector, and making sure these gains mean something to all businesses, people and places in Northern Ireland we will realise this ambition.”

Spirit AeroSystems’ vice president and general manager Michael Ryan commented: “As a leading aerospace manufacturer, we have a long legacy of innovation here in Northern Ireland, and we strive to continue developing leading edge technologies here long into the future. In order to achieve that, we welcome this ambitious vision for Northern Ireland that focuses on our core technologies and skills to ensure a prosperous future for our aerospace sector.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
BAE Systems

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems' Iain Minton to chair new manufacturing and tech coalition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems' tech specialist Iain Minton has been appointed to chair a new coalition of manufacturing and industrial technology experts helping SMEs tackle the challenges and opportunities created by AI, automation and digital transformation.

Ontic appoints Jean-Christophe Gallagher as CEO

Aerospace

Ontic appoints Jean-Christophe Gallagher as CEO

21 May 2026

Ontic has announced the appointment of Jean-Christophe (JC) Gallagher as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as the company builds on a sustained period of strong growth.

Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

Aerospace

Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

19 May 2026

AMETEK MRO's Muirhead Avionics, announced today that it has entered into a long term agreement with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) to become an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics products formerly developed under Honeywell product lines and now fully supported by IA.

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

19 May 2026

Intelligent Energy (IE) has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance, alongside leading UK aerospace and UK hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy (IE), has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance (HIA),which brings together companies from across aerospace, including Airbus, Bristol Airport, easyJet, GKN Aerospace and ...

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

Aerospace

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

19 May 2026

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has today launched the latest UK technology strategy targeting a generational prize of doubling the UK aerospace sector's market value to $18 billion (£13.44bn) by 2035 and increasing by over four times, to $41 billion (£30.6bn), by 2050.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard