Landmark deal could help bring hundreds of Red Arrows assembly jobs to Ayrshire

Plans to bring hundreds of aviation assembly jobs to Ayrshire have taken a step closer with a recognition agreement between two key players. The GMB Union has signed a landmark deal with Aeralis – the company set to build the next generation of Red Arrows – to create 4,000 aerospace jobs. Ayrshire Live previously told how Prestwick Airport was the “ number one choice " to host the final assembly line for the potential replacement of the Hawk fighter jet, which is used by the Red Arrows. Aeralis, one of the companies vying to replace the Hawk - which will be phased out of service by 2030 - previously chose Prestwick Airport out of 67 potential sites. More than 200 jobs could be coming to the airport to assemble the new military jets- if Aeralis get the go-ahead from the UK Government. If successful, different parts of the jets will be built across multiple sites in England before coming to Prestwick for final assembly. The agreement was signed last week by Aeralis chairman Robin Southwell and Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB. It means the company is “committed” to establishing a major industrial hub in Ayrshire, with plans to create more than 4,000 highly skilled jobs nationwide. In Scotland, the programme is set to generate £600 million in annual exports, among top three in the country. Aerlis is the front runner in the race to create the next generation of Red Arrows and is the only bidder offering a British designed and built aircraft. Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB Union, said: “Selecting Aeralis would represent a major moment for Scotland’s industrial future, bringing back complete aircraft production to Scotland for the first time in 25 years. “GMB is committed to ensuring that workers in Ayrshire and beyond are at the heart of this exciting new chapter for UK aerospace.” Robin Southwell, Chairman of Aeralis, said: “The choice faced by the Government is clear; select a British designed and built aircraft offering long-term careers, skills development, and opportunities for future generations here in the UK, or to use public funds to import from abroad. “This agreement between Aeralis and the GMB reflects our shared commitment to building a sustainable, high-value aerospace industry in Scotland. “Overnight we will create, in partnership with GMB, one of the top three industrial enterprises in the region and by working closely together, we can ensure that the jobs we create will provide apprenticeships, well paid careers and new opportunities right here at home.” Dr Willie Mackie, interim chairman of Prestwick Airport, previously said: “This is a really exciting announcement that Prestwick has been selected out of 67 potential locations to locate this final assembly for what will be the replacement for the Red Arrows. “That will bring further jobs in terms of the aerospace sector to build on what’s already a really core strength of the airport and surrounding businesses.”