Airbus to build new office facility - graduate jobs

Aircraft manufacturing firm Airbus has announced plans to build a new aerospace business park in Bristol, which could lead to the creation of new jobs for graduates.

According to the European company, the £70 million office facility will become part of its plant at Filton.

The project will bring together 2,500 Airbus engineering, design, customer support and other employees in one area.

The scheme is likely to be granted planning permission soon, and the firm is hoping to start construction work on the 12-acre site early next year.

The UK division makes the wings of Airbus aircraft, which includes the world's largest passenger plane the Airbus A80 superjumbo.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has welcomed the announcement to create the new business park.

He said: "This is great news for Airbus, the West Country and the UK economy. Aerospace is a UK success that we should be very proud of. We are number one in Europe and number two in the world with a 17% global market share.

"Airbus and its supply chain provide goods and services worth nearly £1.5 billion annually to the UK economy and provide over 135,000 direct and indirect jobs. This new campus in Filton will help secure thousands of advanced engineering jobs in the South West which is a key region for the UK aerospace industry."

Mark Barclay, head of centre of excellence wing and pylon at Airbus, said: "This is great news. It's a firm commitment to the South West and UK that Filton will remain the centre of excellence for aerospace.

"This will enhance the working environment for our employees, while significantly enhancing the Filton landscape."