Post by Humberside on Apr 9, 2012 9:26:16 GMT
The proposal has come from a think tank, so who knows if it is really viable or not
www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/new-passenger-plane-lifeline-BAE-Brough/story-15761763-detail/story.html
BAE'S Brough workforce has been offered a potential lifeline by plans to design and build the UK's first passenger plane in more than 20 years.
The Mail understands the Department for Business Innovation and Skills has been approached to fund a comprehensive feasibility study for the UK to design and build a new, greener aircraft which could accommodate the growing low-cost airline market.
The idea has been put forward by think-tank Civitas after it was asked to produce a report looking into the options to mitigate the loss of skilled workers at BAE System's Brough site.
Leading engineer Christopher Simpson, who wrote the Civitas report on the future prospects for Brough, is looking to form a consortium of top UK aerospace companies to design and manufacture a new "single-aisle civil aircraft that takes environmental sustainability to the next level".
Now, MPs are planning to raise the idea with Business Secretary Vince Cable when they meet him later this month.
They are hoping it could help protect the 845 jobs under threat at the factory.
Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis told the Mail: "Alan Johnson and I are meeting with Vince Cable later this month with the express purpose of exploring all the options that are available for the Brough workforce, including this.
"We will ask him what can be done to support BAE in continuing manufacturing at the site but will also ask him about the possibility of funding a feasibility study for a new single-aisle aircraft, where a clear gap in the market has been identified."
Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson said: "We are working closely with the union to pursue the opportunities identified in the Civitas report.
"Our primary objective has always been to preserve aerospace manufacturing on the Humber.
"We remain convinced that this can be achieved."
Union bosses are also convinced Brough is the ideal location to carry out the work, where there is an existing runway and capacity to build the planes.
Ian Gent, full-time staff union convenor at the site, said: "Brough has a strong heritage working in the civil aviation market. In recent years we've worked on both RJ146 and Airbus assemblies and further back on the Trident airliner.
"There is absolutely no reason why the current workforce couldn't be at the heart of a new civil aircraft venture.
"If there is the ambition and desire in business to develop this opportunity, we believe our members would match that and rise to the challenge.
"However, for that to have any chance of becoming a reality, BAE have to be prepared to keep the site alive long enough for us to undertake such a transition.
"We believe it is incumbent on them to do the right thing."
The Mail understands the Department for Business Innovation and Skills has been approached to fund a comprehensive feasibility study for the UK to design and build a new, greener aircraft which could accommodate the growing low-cost airline market.
The idea has been put forward by think-tank Civitas after it was asked to produce a report looking into the options to mitigate the loss of skilled workers at BAE System's Brough site.
Leading engineer Christopher Simpson, who wrote the Civitas report on the future prospects for Brough, is looking to form a consortium of top UK aerospace companies to design and manufacture a new "single-aisle civil aircraft that takes environmental sustainability to the next level".
Now, MPs are planning to raise the idea with Business Secretary Vince Cable when they meet him later this month.
They are hoping it could help protect the 845 jobs under threat at the factory.
Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis told the Mail: "Alan Johnson and I are meeting with Vince Cable later this month with the express purpose of exploring all the options that are available for the Brough workforce, including this.
"We will ask him what can be done to support BAE in continuing manufacturing at the site but will also ask him about the possibility of funding a feasibility study for a new single-aisle aircraft, where a clear gap in the market has been identified."
Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson said: "We are working closely with the union to pursue the opportunities identified in the Civitas report.
"Our primary objective has always been to preserve aerospace manufacturing on the Humber.
"We remain convinced that this can be achieved."
Union bosses are also convinced Brough is the ideal location to carry out the work, where there is an existing runway and capacity to build the planes.
Ian Gent, full-time staff union convenor at the site, said: "Brough has a strong heritage working in the civil aviation market. In recent years we've worked on both RJ146 and Airbus assemblies and further back on the Trident airliner.
"There is absolutely no reason why the current workforce couldn't be at the heart of a new civil aircraft venture.
"If there is the ambition and desire in business to develop this opportunity, we believe our members would match that and rise to the challenge.
"However, for that to have any chance of becoming a reality, BAE have to be prepared to keep the site alive long enough for us to undertake such a transition.
"We believe it is incumbent on them to do the right thing."
www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/new-passenger-plane-lifeline-BAE-Brough/story-15761763-detail/story.html