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
Downtown Skyport welcomes multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights

Aerospace

Downtown Skyport welcomes multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights

6 May 2026

Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) welcomed multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights to Downtown Skyport - New York’s first - during Joby’s '2026 Electric Skies Tour' New York City Flight Campaign, which took place between 23rd April - 1st May 2026.

UK Government to advance drone and flying taxi tech

Aerospace Security

UK Government to advance drone and flying taxi tech

5 May 2026

Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the Government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector today, whilst also aiming to crack down on the illegal uses of drones.

EDM opens new facility in Malaysia

Aerospace Defence

EDM opens new facility in Malaysia

5 May 2026

Manchester based EDM Ltd, which designs and manufactures advanced training simulators for the civil aviation and defence sectors, has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

Viasat accelerates AAM with L2 Aviation

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Viasat accelerates AAM with L2 Aviation

5 May 2026

Viasat today announced L2 Aviation has joined its Velaris ecosystem via Galaxy 1 Communications, bringing advanced avionics integration and certification expertise to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aviation.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NPAS supports South Wales Police op targeting illegal bikes

Aerospace Security

NPAS supports South Wales Police op targeting illegal bikes

1 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) supported South Wales Police during a targeted operation in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to tackle the illegal and anti‑social use of electric bikes and motorbikes.

Made Smarter launches AI toolkit

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Made Smarter launches AI toolkit

1 May 2026

A new guide has been published by Made Smarter to help manufacturers cut through the noise around artificial intelligence (AI) and focus on what actually works on the factory floor.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB