AERALIS has selected Prestwick International Airport in Ayrshire, Scotland as the location for the final assembly of its modular military aircraft, with a Strategic Agreement now in discussion between the two parties.

Prestwick CEO Ian Forgie says: “We are tremendously excited about this agreement with AERALIS and the opportunity it brings to generate jobs, apprenticeships, investment and innovation in the Prestwick area.”

AERALIS CEO Tristan Crawford describes the site as “an ideal location” given its legacy in whole aircraft manufacture, strong MRO and manufacturing support, and operating model well suited to aerospace programmes. He says it will allow the company to build, test and industrialise the platform while contributing to over 4,000 jobs across the UK.

A portion of these roles will be based in Central Ayrshire. AERALIS is positioning itself as a strong contender to deliver the next generation of Red Arrows aircraft and a new light jet trainer for the Royal Air Force. Aircraft components will be developed across the UK and integrated at Prestwick.

AERALIS awaits government backing to proceed. Local MP Alan Gemmell calls the project “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.