Mr McReynolds has said: “This announcement marks a significant day for our world class aerospace industry, and to be able to welcome a deal of this scale and value is fantastic.

“Whilst it’s testament to the skills and talent of the workforce we have based here at the site in East Belfast in particular, this will inevitably have a ripple effect on the wider supply chain right across Northern Ireland as well.

“Crucially, it sends a message loud and clear that Belfast and Northern Ireland are well and truly open for business, with exceptional skills on offer and there to be invested in.”