A MEMBER of the Senedd for North Wales has welcomed UK Government plans to drive growth in the region through the creation of a new generation of green jobs.
Carolyn Thomas MS visited the state-of-the art Airbus facility in Broughton, Flintshire, alongside the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, and the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, following the announcement of £975 million of funding for the aerospace sector.
The funding, which will be spread over the next five years, is designed to speed up innovation, create job opportunities, extend the UK’s global lead in wings and engine manufacturing, and continue investment into the delivery of zero-emission flights.
Speaking after the visit to Airbus in Broughton, Carolyn Thomas said: “Airbus employs around 2,300 across the North Wales region, and it is an industry that is a real source of pride for communities across Wales.
“This investment will turbo-charge job creation in manufacturing, aviation, and energy production in an industry which is vital to the North Wales economy.”
At the visit to the site in Broughton, the delegation was shown Airbus’ ‘Wings of Tomorrow’ project, which aims to optimise aircraft performance through wing design by reducing drag, fuel burn, and emissions in a bid to make aviation greener and more environmentally friendly.
Thomas continued: “The aerospace industry is one which has provided well paid, highly skilled jobs to young people across North Wales, helping to keep our brightest young talents in the area.
“The commitment to, and investment in, achieving zero-emission flights is most welcome, and will be vital in ensuring the industry continues to be at the forefront of innovation in the future.”
As one of the largest employers in Wales, Airbus contributes an estimated £311m to Welsh GDP, with over 5,500 employees across the country.
