PRESTWICK Airport has made a move to boost its position as the home of aviation and aerospace by welcoming its new aerospace development manager.

Michael O’Brien has joined the business development team at Prestwick Airport thanks to funding from Scottish Enterprise and South Ayrshire Council.

A highly experienced aerospace industry professional with over 20 years of working in manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, his specialisms include supply chain management, project management, business analysis and logistics.

Michael previously worked in Canada for Safran Landing Systems project managing the supplier industrialisation process for key suppliers to the Bombardier Global 7000 and Boeing 787 programmes.

His new role, based at the airport, is all about working with the Prestwick Aerospace Partnership to create an environment that promotes, supports and encourages growth across the Prestwick Aerospace Campus.

Ron Smith, Prestwick Airport chief executive officer, said: “Prestwick Airport has a long history of being at the heart of the United Kingdom’s aerospace manufacturing industry. 

“We want to play an active role in keeping this industry and these highly skilled roles in the Ayrshire area and we would like to add even more jobs through working collaboratively across the campus to give us a competitive advantage in this global market place.

“I am delighted to be welcoming Michael to the team to help bring focus and drive to the development of a Prestwick Aerospace Campus approach.

Eileen Howat, chief executive of South Ayrshire Council, added: “This exciting and dedicated new role will play an important part in co-ordinating and driving aerospace and space development at Prestwick and I’m very pleased to welcome Michael on board."

“We’re very proud of the successful and thriving aerospace sector we have here in Ayrshire, but we know that we can do more with a targeted approach to attract investment, create jobs and really put our mark on the global market. 

“This will only serve to enhance the fantastic offer we have here in Prestwick and I have no doubt that Michael is up for the challenge.”