OREANDA-NEWS. August 19, 2015.  Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns has hailed the announcement of a record Airbus aircraft order as validation of north east Wales’ credentials as a key player in the Northern Powerhouse.

Airbus – which manufactures its aircraft wings in Broughton – has today announced it has finalised a £17billion deal with Indian airline, IndiGo for 250 of its A320neo aircraft. It is the largest number of aircraft bought in a single order for the aerospace company.

Speaking during a visit to north Wales with Northern Powerhouse Minister, James Wharton today, Mr Cairns said that north east Wales based companies like Airbus have much to gain from the growing momentum of the Northern Powerhouse.

Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said:

This news will come as a tremendous boost for the Broughton based Airbus workforce which will see order books for its aircraft wings further bolstered by this record deal.

This announcement shows that we have the abilities and skills in north east Wales to be recognised on a global scale. That is why it is crucial that the region is plugged into the Northern Powerhouse. Capitalising on improved connectivity across the border could bring far-reaching benefits, through job creation and economic output, and further underline north east Wales’ credentials as a strong hub of British manufacturing.