4. Bombardier

Bombardier was in the headlines for much of 2017 as it fought off a competitive challenge from rival Boeing.

Even aside from that battle, Bombardier says 2017 was “another extremely challenging year” due to the reduced sales volume of non-Bombardier contracts and continuing cost competitive issues. But its customer services division achieved a good year of profitable growth and a four-year pay deal was agreed.

In 2017, Belfast boss Michael Ryan became President, Bombardier Aerostructures and Engineering Services as Bombardier reached the half-way mark in its five-year global turnaround plan.

In May, the US Department of Commerce (DoC) launched an investigation into Bombardier’s trade practices in the United States, following a complaint from Boeing. In December, the DoC announced affirmative final determinations in both its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, resulting in proposed tariffs of just under 300% on future imports of C Series aircraft from Canada.

Early this year, however, the US International Trade Commission voted unanimously to overturn the DoC’s determinations ruling that no anti-dumping or countervailing duties will apply.

Bombardier said: “This is a very positive endorsement for Bombardier following a vigorous defence of its position throughout 2017.” The Belfast operation has acknowledged the strong support received from its unions, government, suppliers, and industry representatives. Bombardier also launched a C Series partnership with Airbus.

Bombardier

Airport Road

Belfast

BT3 9DZ

Tel: 028 90 458444

www.belfast.aero.bombardier.com