UK PM Sunak hails multi-billion-pound Air India, Airbus, Rolls-Royce deal

London, February 14 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday hailed a multi-billion-pound deal by Airbus and Rolls-Royce to supply new aircraft to Air India as a landmark moment for the country’s aerospace sector and reiterated his commitment to continue building ties with India. The agreement, which involves the Tata Group-owned Indian carrier buying 250 jets, was announced by the three companies at the ongoing Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru.

The UK government said the pact will create highly skilled jobs in Wales and Derbyshire, eastern England, helping boost exports and the economy. “This landmark deal between Air India, Airbus and Rolls-Royce demonstrates that sky is the limit for the UK’s thriving aerospace sector,” Sunak said.

“It will create better-paying jobs and new opportunities in manufacturing hubs from Derby to Wales, so we can grow the economy and support our agenda to level up – helping to deliver on my five priorities for the country. The UK is already a top investment destination, and by building trade ties with growing economic powers like India we will ensure UK businesses remain at the forefront of global growth and innovation,” he said. According to Downing Street, a significant portion of the manufacturing process for the new aircraft is expected to take place in the UK.