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
Gulfstream banner
Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

Aerospace

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

7 April 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has completed a significant £18 million investment in resurfacing its runway.

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

Aerospace

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

7 April 2026

Bristol Airport is looking to offer new destinations around the world under plans submitted to North Somerset Council, that will enable it to expand services to meet customer demand and support economic regional growth.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

7 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Latha Narayan as its President for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

Aerospace Defence Security

Alexander Battery Technologies expands technical team

7 April 2026

UK battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner