Coronavirus: Production at Bombardier Belfast stopped for 4 weeks

Following the closure of Bombardier’s manufacturing sites in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, production has now stopped in Belfast temporarily.

The plant, which makes the wings for the Airbus A220, will reopen on 20^th April.

A statement from Bombardier said: “In the current unprecedented circumstances, we want to make the best decisions possible for our people, our communities, the wider Northern Ireland society, and the sustainability of our business.

“As the UK ramps up efforts to delay the spread of COVID-19, and following announcements from Bombardier Aviation on the closure of sites in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, we have made the decision to stop production temporarily at all our Northern Ireland sites until 20 April. These measures will help us maintain as many people as possible in full-time employment.

“Critical support will be required to continue during the furlough and therefore some employees will be required to work during this time, obviously continuing to maximise working-from-home opportunities and the safest working practices.

“We look forward to being fully operational again shortly to ensure the continued success of our business in Northern Ireland.”

www.bombardier.com