Bombardier CSeries aircraft wing manufacturing facility gets under way in Belfast
Bombardier Aerospace has kicked off construction at its new state-of-the-art aircraft wing manufacturing and assembly facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“This is another significant milestone in the ongoing development of the CSeries aircraft programme,” said Guy Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “August, the test fuselage barrel arrived ahead of schedule at our St-Laurent, Québec site, from China, and in September we celebrated the groundbreaking of our first CSeries aircraft manufacturing building in Mirabel, Québec. The CSeries aircraft programme is progressing well and to schedule, and we look forward to receiving the first test wing from Belfast in 2011.”
The new 600,000 sq ft (55,742 m2) factory is being built in two phases and will incorporate an existing production building. The facility’s design and layout are being optimised both for the production process and to minimise environmental impact. The structure will ensure maximum energy efficiency, and will incorporate low energy solutions into its mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Waste management was also a key consideration in the design, with a particular focus being given to waste segregation and recycling.
Joining Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast to lay a special corner stone to mark the construction was Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, along with guests including contractors.
