Deeside experts from aerospace sector at Welsh Office discussing future opportunities following Heathrow announcement

Deeside based experts from the aerospace sector will meet with the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns at Gwydyr House in London tonight to celebrate their successes and discuss future opportunities.

The event takes place on the day that the UK Government has announced plans for a new runway at Heathrow.

With Wales being the home to of some of the worlds’ biggest aerospace companies, the Heathrow expansion will be a “major positive impact for Welsh businesses with access to new markets and trade”

Currently around 14,000 people are employed in the aerospace sector in Wales and with the new runway expected to create an additional 77,000 jobs over the next 14 years, this figure is expected to rise.

With today’s announcement of the new third runway at Heathrow, the future of the aerospace industry in Wales looks certain.

This is supported by the eight Welsh universities where there is a wealth of academic expertise applying itself to the aerospace industry, linking together to offer world class expertise and training.

Last week a purpose built facility developed by Coleg Cambria in partnership with Swansea University’s College of Engineering providing higher education facilities for aeronautical students was officially opened in Deeside.

Tonight we welcome experts from aerospace to share successes & celebrate the sector in Wales #Heathrow https://t.co/2eYcBjek5L pic.twitter.com/jlHKwg52Wf

— Wales Office (@walesoffice) October 25, 2016

Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales said:

“I’m delighted about today’s announcement to secure a new runway at Heathrow. This decision will have a major positive impact for Welsh businesses with access to new markets and trade.
This is great news for Wales by broadening horizons through greater connectivity and ensuring that Wales is open for business.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones called for ‘consequential funding’ on the back of the announcement, he said:

“I welcome this long-awaited announcement, which will benefit Welsh passengers, bring tourists to Wales, help our exporters reach new markets and create new jobs.”

“It is crucial the people of Wales share the benefits of this major national infrastructure project. I fully expect a fair allocation of landing slots at the expanded airport and urge the UK Government to deliver the Western Rail Link to Heathrow by the 2024.

The new link, alongside the electrification of the rail line to Swansea and modernisation of the north Wales mainline and Cardiff Central station, will ensure the people and economy of Wales benefit fully from the expansion of Heathrow.