RAeS 150th Anniversary celebrated in Northern Ireland
Above: (left to right) Martin McGinley, Managing Director of B/E Aerospace, Kilkeel; Tim Wheeler, Boeing Country Manager UK & Norway; Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace Belfast; Simon Hamilton MLA, Economy Minister; Prof Chris Atkin, President, Royal Aeronautical Society; Philip McBride, General Manager of Thales Advanced Weapon Systems, UK and Leslie Orr, ADS NI Manager.
The Royal Aeronautical Society, also known as the RAeS, is a British multidisciplinary professional institution dedicated to the global aerospace community.
Giving the keynote address at the anniversary dinner organised by the Belfast branch in Titanic Belfast, the Minister said: “It is an honour to be here tonight to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
"Over the last 100 years, aircraft manufacture in Northern Ireland has grown into a cost competitive, agile, efficient and outward looking aerospace sector with companies competing for and winning business across the globe.
"With 10,000 highly skilled staff and annual revenues of £1.3billion as well as contributing 15% of our manufacturing exports, the sector has a proven track record that is capable of meeting customer demands with a best value solution to match industry needs.
"At the Farnborough Air Show this year I was able to get an overview of the tremendous skills, capabilities and products available in Northern Ireland and I know there is much to be proud of and to celebrate.”
