Spanish aerostructures company Aernnova has expressed interest in buying Bombardier’s Northern Ireland business, which was put up for sale in May.
The wing and fuselage manufacturer, owned by private equity firm TowerBrook, is one of several companies to have shown interest in the Northern Irish sites, known locally as Short Brothers.
“We understand that this announcement may cause concern among our employees, but we will be working closely with them and our unions as matters progress, and through any future transition period to a new owner,” said Bombardier after announcing their intention to sell.
Susan Fitzgerald of Unite trade union said that the Belfast employees were “bracing for a shock announcement every morning”.
“The sale causes significant uncertainty for workers and members,” she added.
Also mentioned as possible buyers of the Canadian company’s Belfast sites are Airbus, Spirit Aerosystems and GKN, although there are doubts over the latter due to the recent turnaround of its business.
Airbus are monitoring the Bombardier situation, with Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief executive, saying in May they were assessing the impact their own business, although he declines to comment further.