One thousand aviation jobs in Ireland are to go after Canadian-owned Bombardier, manufacturer of the Learjet, confirmed it was scaling back operations at its Belfast plant.
This will reduce Bombardier’s workforce to around 5,000 at its four sites in Northern Ireland where it manufactures its C series Learjet. The company blamed a sharp fall in aircraft production leading to the reduction in manpower.
A company spokesperson said: “The force of this global recession is unprecedented, market conditions have worsened and Bombardier is revising downwards most of its aircraft production rates and implementing measures to meet challenges facing the whole aviation industry.”
“We deeply regret the impact this will have on those affected and their families.”
“We need to do all we can to protect the business now so that, when we come out of the recession, we will be in a strong position. We have proven in the past that we can overcome challenging times.”
The cuts follow the axing of 300 subcontractors’ jobs at the plant in February.
However bombardier says it has committed £500 million to C series production at the Belfast plant. The spokesman said the company was confident of the long-term outlook.
He said: “Bombardier has a strong portfolio of innovative aircraft products in both the commercial and business aircraft markets and we are continuing to strengthen our operations and invest in new products that will help to maintain our leadership in these markets.”
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