Member Article

UK jobs safeguarded by major Airbus deal

Jobs have been safeguarded at Airbus plants in Flintshire and Bristol after a deal for 11 new aircraft has been sealed with Garuda Indonesia.

The wings for the aircrafts are built at the Airbus plant in Broughton and are designed at a facility in Filton.

Around 140,000 jobs are generated in the UK by Airbus wing work, directly as well as indirectly through supplier contracts.

David Cameron announced the deal as part of his trade mission to East and South East Asia.

Speaking to the BBC at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, he said it was “good news for the UK aerospace industry.”

Mr Cameron continued: “I think we need to recognise that so much of the power in the world is going to be to the South and to the East and we need to rebuild those relationships.

“We’ve got a good standing here because we’re one of the largest investors into Indonesia, but we could be doing far better in terms of our exports and our sales.

“That’s why I’ve packed a plane full of business people to come here to make those links to create those jobs and investment back at home.”

Emirsyah Satar, President & CEO, Garuda Indonesia, said: “The A330 has proven to be a key element in the success of the revitalised Garuda Indonesia.

“The low seat mile cost and high passenger appeal make the aircraft a perfect fit for our fleet and a firm favourite with our passengers.”

Tom Williams, Executive Vice President of Programmes at Airbus, added: “We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with Garuda Indonesia.

“The A330 is undisputed leader in its class. It offers proven reliability, low operating costs and one of the most comfortable cabins in the sky.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .