Prestwick Airport has been chosen to assemble a replacement fleet for the famous Red Arrows.
British aircraft manufacturer Aeralis says the Ayrshire facility has beaten off competition from 67 other UK locations.
The state-owned airport is currently in discussions to finalise the agreement which is seen as a major endorsement of Prestwick’s legacy and capabilities in aviation.
It has the potential to bring significant long-term benefits, including up to 400 jobs, training and increased investment.
Speculation about Prestwick being chosen was first revealed in May by the Flight Global organisation.
Aeralis said today that it “awaits UK Government commitment to the aircraft in order to move forward with these plans that will clearly return Scotland to its deserved place as a first-tier aviation nation”.
Willie Mackie, the interim chair of Glasgow Prestwick Airport said: “There was a very early connection between Aeralis and the Airport team.
“When we first met there was a real energy and alignment in terms of our ambition for the Airport and in terms of what Aeralis has planned for skills and further economic development.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and, on the back of the recent expansion at the airport, particularly in the cargo business which has grown exponentially in in last few months, it is the ideal time to look at other opportunities that match with our vision.
“We believe this is the right place for this project, we think the skillsets that are here are absolutely aligned and it has huge potential.”
Neil Barnett, Aeralis chief operating officer, explained that elements of the build will take place at locations in England with the full final assembly and testing taking place at Prestwick Airport.
He said: “Why Prestwick Airport? For its location, its history in aerospace, plentiful resources and a keen interest to see this happen.
“This all makes it the obvious choice. We analysed 67 UK sites, we visited a number of them and Prestwick secured the number one spot.”
Alan Gemmell, MP for Central Ayrshire, said: “It is a vote of confidence in the Airport and the Ayrshire economy.
“There is a strong history of defence and aviation here and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the UK Government to support the UK’s first British designed, British built aircraft in over 50 years and to bring a significant number of jobs to Scotland.”
The Red Arrows team acts as ambassadors for the RAF and the UK at home and overseas, promoting the best of UK industry, engineering, flying and organisation.
Its T1 Hawks are some of the oldest in RAF service and will almost certainly be withdrawn from use by 2030, according to industry sources.
The Aeralis plan is to manufacture modular military jets which will be the first new crewed UK military jet for more than 50 years.
There is a substantial population of aerospace workers in the Prestwick area, a key factor in its selection by Aeralis. Engineering training is being expanded with new facilities. Manufacturing for both Boeing and Airbus is done on the site.
Prestwick has the longest runway in Scotland at 2,986 metres and a cross runway of 1,985 metres. It has customs and ATC 24 hours a day. It is located by the sea – ideal for test flying.
There is a Coastguard Search and Rescue base on the airport and it handles more military flights than almost any European civil airport.
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