16/11/2005

NI firm to benefit from BA contract

A Northern Ireland factory is to benefit from a 150 million euro order by British Airways for new aircraft seats.

The American-owned B/E Aerospace is to build new business class seats for the airline, which will secure the 400 jobs at its Kilkeel plant in Co Down.

Welcoming the news, Managing Director of the firm Clifford McSpadden said: "We see that this new contract - and other future contracts that we hope to secure - will allow us to grow that number, that's good for the people here.

"But is good for the wider community and we're very pleased to see this sort of result coming good for us."

B/E Aerospace Senior Vice President Michael B. Baughan said: "In 2000, British Airways revolutionized the industry with its introduction of the first horizontal lie-flat business class seat.

"Now, British Airways is again raising the competitive bar, and we are pleased to collaborate with them to introduce an entirely new level of comfort and living space for their business class passengers."

Deliveries of the new seats are expected to begin next year.

(MB/SP)

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