AERALIS & Glasgow Prestwick International Airport sign Strategic Agreement

AERALIS and Glasgow Prestwick Airport have signed a Strategic Agreement today at the Ayrshire Festival of Flight, formalising their collaborative approach to the assembly of AERALIS aircraft in Ayrshire.

Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “This agreement with AERALIS is the foundation stone that will return Scotland to its deserved place as a first-tier aviation nation. We remain tremendously excited about the opportunities it brings to generate jobs, apprenticeships, investment and innovation.”

Over 4,000 jobs will be enabled across the AERALIS programme's manufacturing locations; of which, if selected by the UK Government, many would be in Central Ayrshire.

Tristan Crawford, CEO of AERALIS, said: “Today's agreement means that Scotland is a strong contender to build the next generation of aircraft for the Red Arrows here at Prestwick. Imagine the inspiration of aircraft proudly assembled in Ayrshire thrilling crowds at a future International Ayr Show.”

“Our agreement builds on Prestwick's strong aviation legacy, as well its excellent local aerospace manufacturing and MRO resources. It provides AERALIS with tremendous operating capability for building, testing and industrialising new aircraft for the UK, Europe and the world.”

AERALIS’s proposition is simple: it draws on existing world-leading UK manufacturing through its AERTEAM consortium of seven proven aerospace & defence companies, supported by over 40 SMEs, who between them have decades of experience building and operating military aircraft. From

Central Ayrshire to Gosport and in multiple locations in-between, AERALIS components will be designed, manufactured and integrated across the UK, culminating in assembly and flight at Prestwick.

Alan Gemmell MP, MP for Central Ayrshire said: “AERALIS's partnership with Glasgow Prestwick Airport could lead to hundreds of well-paying jobs here in Ayrshire - with potential for hundreds more. The commitment to Prestwick is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a British-designed, British-built jet to be assembled right here. If chosen by the Ministry of Defence, AERALIS's jet would mean our iconic Red Arrows - a global symbol of all that's great about our country - would be both British and Scottish.”

The parties will now work together to identify and review site facilities, assure the availability of airspace, and engage with local regulatory requirements. They will also seek to work with local aerospace companies and develop training and course design opportunities with Ayrshire College.

With strong industry alignment and growing national momentum, the AERALIS programme is ready to move at pace. As part of securing Government commitment to launch the programme, AERALIS will develop its innovative jet system at no upfront capital cost to the UK taxpayer, freeing up defence funds for other programmes and delivering unprecedented value for money for HMG.