Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has major a major investment of over £16 million in an ambitious R&D project at its Kilkeel site, aimed at developing innovative passenger seating products for widebody and twin aisle aircraft.
The investment has been supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has provided the company with many years of financial and advisory support. Northern Ireland currently manufactures 30% of the global demand for aircraft sales and the industry is an important part of the region’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector.
“Over the last 50 years in the global aviation seating market, RTX, through its Collins Aerospace business in Kilkeel, has contributed to Northern Ireland’s thriving aerospace sector,” said Joe Kennedy III, the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. “This new investment will see it design and manufacture its new line of passenger seats which will help further its export growth ambitions.”
“This R&D investment aimed to create the most efficient production system for a new, innovative and highly complex aircraft seat that is far superior to anything else currently on the market,” added Alan Henning, Managing Director of Operations, Collins Aerospace Kilkeel facility. “Our team in Kilkeel have a strong reputation for R&D and innovation excellence were well positioned to undertake this challenging project.”
Image: Collins Aerospace
