The GMB trade union has signed a deal with aerospace firm Aeralis to help facilitate the Red Arrows’ replacement jet being built in Scotland, UK. The deal would create thousands of aerospace jobs in the region.
The partnership between Aeralis and the GMB union, which represents workers in the UK aerospace sector, was signed last week. The deal highlights the jobs and economic benefits that would happen if the UK Government picks Aeralis to build the replacement trainer jet for the Hawk aircraft currently used by the Red Arrows.
A similar agreement was signed in September this year between Aeralis and Prestwick Airport in Scotland.
Hawk replacement
The Hawk T1 used by the Red Arrows, the UK RAF’s aerobatics team, is due to be retired in 2030. The fast jet was developed and initially made in the 1970s by Hawker Siddeley then BAE Systems, which manufactured the aircraft at a site in Brough, UK until 2020.
The UK Government is known to be actively considering options for the Hawk T1 replacement ahead of this year’s Budget, which is scheduled to be announced next week. Lobbyists are calling for the replacement order to be made with a UK-based company to ensure that sovereign military jet-building industrial capabilities and skills remain in the UK.
Bristol, UK-based Aeralis has been developing its modular light jet aircraft concept since 2015. The company, which has pioneered digital development methods to reduce costs and increase the flexibility and manufacturability of the design, has yet to secure an order for its aircraft.
Job creation
According to Aeralis and the GMB, building its trainer jet in Ayrshire would create over 4,000 highly skilled jobs nationwide, establish the region as a major industrial hub and could generate £600 million (US$790 million) in annual exports. Ayrshire already hosts companies such as BAE Systems, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Caledonian and Collins Aerospace.
Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB said, “Selecting Aeralis would represent a major moment for Scotland’s industrial future, bringing back complete aircraft production to Scotland for the first time in 25 years.”
Robin Southwell, chairman of Aeralis said, “The choice faced by the Government is clear, select a British designed and built aircraft offering long-term careers, skills development, and opportunities for future generations here in the UK, or to use public funds to import from abroad.
“Overnight we will create together one of the top three industrial enterprises in the region, delivering apprenticeships, well paid careers and new opportunities right here at home.”
Other options available to the UK Government for the Red Arrows replacement include importing an aircraft such as the Italian-made Leonardo M-346, Lockheed Martin’s TF-50 or Korea’s KAI T-50. More than 1,000 Hawk aircraft, which was also adapted for use in combat were sold.
