The parent company of Airbus, EADS, has reported a sharp rise in profits for the first three months of the year.

Operating profits at the company rose by 56% to €741 million over the quarter, helped by higher production at Airbus, where revenue climbed by 16%.

Airbus said it had delivered 144 aircraft between January and March, up from 131 in the same three months last year.

Overall, EADS reported revenue of €12.4 billion for the period compared with €11.4 billion for 2012.

EADS CEO Tom Enders said:

“The quarter was an eventful one for EADS, with shareholders approving the new governance structure while the share buyback programme is progressing and the free-float has risen significantly.”

“On the operational side, we had a rather good start into 2013 with improved revenues and profitability. Management continues to focus on improving the bottom line performance in 2013 and beyond.”

In other news, Airbus looks to be on target for the maiden flight of its A350 XWB aircraft this summer.

The wings and fuel systems for the new long-range wide-bodied airliner were designed in Filton, where the landing gear is also tested.

The first A350 XWB (designated MSN001) emerged from its hangar in Toulouse yesterday after being painted in its Airbus livery within the space of just just seven days.

An Airbus press release stated:

“This latest milestone shows that MSN001 is progressing well on its route to first flight.”

“The aircraft painting was achieved in less than seven days and follows the recent completion of MSN001’s flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) verification. Last month the aircraft underwent its engines installation, and passed a subsequent intensive phase of ground vibration tests. MSN001 will soon start the final tests before its maiden flight this summer.”

Photo: An A350 XWB shows off its new Airbus livery in Toulouse, France. [© Airbus S.A.S 2013; photo by P. Pigeyre]

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has opened a six-week public consultation on plans to convert street lights in Filton to ‘part-night’ operation, a system that involves switching selected street lights off between midnight and 5am GMT, in order to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy.

A statement on the consultation page of the council’s website explains:

“Evidence from South Gloucestershire and elsewhere shows that, where this careful approach is taken to part-night lighting, it has no notable adverse impact on crime levels or road safety. However we will continue to work closely with our partners in the police and other agencies to monitor progress.”

Subject to the findings of the consultation, conversion of the Filton street lights is due to begin in July 2013, with works scheduled to coincide with routine annual lighting maintenance activities in order to reduce costs.

The council says all street lights will be switched to part-night operation, except where it is considered they help mitigate crime and anti-social behaviour, or improve road safety and reduce accidents, in which case they will remain lit throughout the night.

Other exceptions are:

• Lights that are important for the operation of council or police CCTV surveillance cameras
• Lights that are close to 24-hour emergency services such as hospitals
• Lights next to pedestrian crossings and controlled junctions
• Lights next to sheltered housing premises

A detailed plan showing the proposed extent of the swtich-off in Filton is available on the council’s website.

Once fully implemented across South Gloucestershire, the scheme is expected to reduce the district’s carbon emissions by a total of 2,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 900 cars.

The scheme is also expected to reduce the council’s lighting-related energy bills by up to £250,000, or about a fifth of its total street lighting energy costs.

Head of StreetCare Mark King said:

“Part-night lighting has been introduced gradually and with great care since the policy was first adopted with cross-party support in 2008.”

“The safety and security of residents and road users is paramount and over a number of years we ran trials to make sure that the scheme would deliver the expected benefits without any adverse effects.”

“The results to date show that part night lighting is working well in South Gloucestershire and we look forward to completing implementation of the scheme later this year.”

Consultation on the Filton plans runs until Wednesday 12th June.

More info: Part-night street lighting in South Gloucestershire (SGC)

Cadets from 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron were recently welcomed to Parliament by Jack Lopresti, the MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke.

The Squadron, based in Filton, were invited to Westminster by the MP to celebrate after their Drill team won the National Drill Champions at RAF Halton in November last year.

The cadets were treated to a tour of the Houses of Parliament and views of the terrace before departing for a trip to RAF Hendon.

Mr Lopresti said:

“It was a real pleasure to host 2152 Squadron ATC at the Houses of Parliament. All the cadets looked very smart indeed and I can see why they were the deserved winners of the National Drill Champions. Many congratulations to them all again.”

Flt Lt Jim Brimble, the Officer Commanding for 2152 (N. Bristol) Sqn ATC, said:

“The cadets found the morning fascinating and enjoyable – they all appreciated the effort made in hosting them and learning more about the role of the both Houses of Parliament. An amazing experience, being able to talk to our local MP in such relaxed, yet historic surroundings.”

Employees throughout the Airbus Filton site took part in a wacky wardrobe day to raise money for the company’s current partner charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

More than 30 employees teamed together on Friday 5th April and took part in the Charity Challenge dress up day in Filton, raising more than £1,200.

Throughout the day employees from across the business dressed up as firemen, builders, Where’s Wally and pirates. Some even went to great extremes and spent the day dressed in full rabbit, dalmatian and banana costumes.

Jan Lane, Airbus Charity Challenge joint Coordinator, said:

“It’s different, but how great do our employees look? We can always count on them to get really involved in these bizarre fundraising projects and today is a great example of that!”

Hayley Christopher-Lee, Airbus Charity Challenge joint Coordinator, added:

“All of the funds raised today provide a huge amount of support to the Alzheimer’s Society who throughout everyday improve the quality of life for thousands of people, including some right here in Bristol.”

Beckie Smith, Regional Corporate Partnership Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“A big thank you to everyone at Airbus who took part in their wacky wardrobe day, what a fantastic result! The support for the Alzheimer’s Society and money you have raised today is so important and it will help make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia across the UK – keep up the great work!”

In recent weeks I have seen several pieces in the local press that seek to scaremonger over the future of our local economy now that Filton Airfield has closed. It is particularly disappointing that local Labour politicians have been cynically talking our local industries down in this way, they’ve been more concerned about scoring parochial party political points than looking at the opportunities and promoting the success of our world leading high tech aerospace and aviation manufacturing industry.

The local Labour party have never made clear how they would have acquired control of a privately owned airfield, forced BAe to keep operating it and forced Airbus to keep supporting it commercially. The Labour party know that the only way this could have been done would be compulsory purchase backed by a huge public subsidy, but they refuse to be honest with local people that they would plough millions of pounds of hardworking tax payer’s money into something that is commercially unviable. The future plans for investment and infrastructure for the airfield site were put to a South Gloucestershire Council Meeting at the end of December 2011 – and when it came down to it, when they had the opportunity to show some kind of leadership what did Labour do? They abstained from the vote.

Since the announced closure Filton aerospace industry has gone from strength to strength and still has a world-leading aviation industry and is still seen as the country’s foremost aerospace technology hub, something which many local people, me included, are very proud of.

After the announcement which surprised and saddened all of us local residents I sought and received assurances from all of the major local aerospace businesses, including Rolls Royce, Airbus, GKN and others, that the loss of the airfield will not compromise their operations in Filton. I also had discussions with Defence Ministers about the loss of use of the airfield to the Military, should they ever need to use it, but was informed that due to the availability of places like RAF Fairford and Brize Norton the closure of the airfield would have no bearing on any future Military Operational capability.

In fact in the last year or so Airbus and GKN have both made major investments locally. Airbus have called Filton the “jewel in the crown of aviation engineering” and have invested £70 million into the soon to open Pegasus House, a design and research centre which will be part of further developments at the Airbus Aerospace Park. Airbus has a jam packed order book running into tens of billions of pounds and recent Government partnerships are underlining the long term prospects for Airbus at Filton.

In January Airbus announced the creation of nearly 200 extra high-tech jobs after the firm landed a £1.4 million grant from the Government through the Regional Growth Fund and last week I had the pleasure of attending the Deputy Prime Ministers’ announcement of the Governments’ £1 billion investment into the UK Aerospace industry which will protect local jobs for many years to come.

Last year GKN opened the new facility that places our local area, the South West and the UK at the vanguard of high-precision aerospace manufacturing. GKN have built, at Severn Beach, a £170 million facility designed for the quick delivery, high precision manufacture and assembly of carbon fibre reinforced plastic aircraft wing components which will be integral to the aerospace industry’s supply chain, a large part of which is of course based in our locality.

The new factory is great news for GKN and the local area; employment is expected to rise to 450 employees by 2016 and the plant is already achieving industry firsts since commencing manufacturing last year.

One of the biggest challenges we face is with the future of our home-grown workforce; we are desperately short of young engineers in the UK. Over the last couple of years I have been working closely with the Concorde Trust and local industry leaders to see exactly how we inspire our young people to become the much needed scientists and engineers that feed local industry and will guarantee its survival. I believe part of the answer will lie with the redevelopment of the airfield land.

A third of the site has been ring fenced for the expansion of the high-tech manufacturing sector in Filton, and at the same time negotiations are at very advanced stages to secure a permanent home for Concord, as well as a home for the Bristol Aero Collection, and a STEM learning centre to inspire and train the next generation of great British engineers from young people in our local area.

In this way, the site will continue to make a huge contribution to the aerospace industry in Filton, and nationwide, for the future.

The UK aviation industry is a world beater but still must compete on a global basis. It’s future does not lie with the past but with the high-tech manufacturing of the future which does not need the airfield but needs investment, Government support and a long-term approach to educating and training the next generations of scientists and engineers – I am doing all I can to support that aspiration and I know that Government Ministers are implementing policies and investment into our local area for the same reasons.

So I would make this plea to those that still oppose the airfield closure – let’s seize the opportunity, stop talking down our local economy and local industry, get on board with the fantastic and exciting investments being made by industry and Government in our local area. Help our young people by inspiring them to choose careers in our thriving local industries so that Filton will remain for future generations to come, the jewel in the crown of aviation engineering and technology.

Jack Lopresti MP

Photo: The last three aircraft to take-off from the airfield line up on the runway on 21st December 2012.

Related link: Funeral atmosphere as last planes take-off from Filton Airfield (The Journal)

Recent letters opposing the closure of Filton Airfield:

• People are angry about closure (The Post, 8th March 2013)
• MP should have fought for airfield (The Post, 15th March 2013)
• We can reverse closure decision (The Post, 22nd March)

A multi-billion investment to “anchor” the UK as a global leader in the aerospace industry was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during a visit to Airbus in Filton on Monday (18th March).

Mr Clegg used the trip to reveal details of a pledge to create a new £2 billion UK Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)  that will develop quieter more energy-efficient aircraft. The Government will pump £1 billion into the centre, while eight aerospace companies including Rolls-Royce, GKN and Airbus have pledged the other half.

The investment is intended to secure 115,000 high value jobs throughout the UK’s aerospace industry and its associated supply chain.

Speaking to Airbus staff, industry leaders and local politicians during his Filton visit, Mr Clegg said:

“Aerospace experts with highly specialised skills are working hard to make sure the UK remains Europe’s number one aerospace manufacturer.”

“We’re doing all we can to maintain this jewel in our crown, which is why government is working hand in hand with industry to inject £2 billion into a unique long term strategy to maintain Britain’s position as the centre of aerospace technology.”

“The UK’s best technical experts can ensure we remain the world’s preferred supplier and continue to build and design the planes of the future – lighter, quieter, faster, and more fuel efficient.”

Marcus Bryson, CEO of GKN Aerospace and Land Systems, and co-chair of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) said:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work from ministers, civil servants, academics, ADS and industry through the AGP. The creation of an Aerospace Technology Institute puts the UK in a strong position to deliver the technologies, skills, capabilities and investment we need to take advantage of the exciting growth opportunities that are forecast for the sector.”

“There is still much to do, but today’s announcement is a significant step forward and there is no doubt that it will help safeguard this valuable sector to the benefit of the nation for decades to come.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable, who chairs an aerospace business leaders’ group, said the seven-year commitment would “anchor the sector in the UK for a long time to come”, adding:

“Our aerospace sector already supports more than 3,000 companies and employs 230,000 people across the UK.”

“The potential for growth is huge. By 2031, the civil aerospace market will be worth in excess of $4.5 trillion.”

Related link: Multi billion pound UK commitment to long-term industrial strategy (GOV.UK)

South Gloucestershire’s Labour councillors are celebrating the news that a powerful council committee has supported the refurbishment of a Filton primary school.

Filton Hill Pimary has been in the running for a major £2 million refurbishment scheme from South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) capital resources, but the scheme was put under question because of the demand on the council’s limited resources.

However, at this afternoon’s meeting of the SGC Policy and Resources Committee, councillors across party agreed to recommend the scheme’s continued inclusion in the programme. If endorsed by Full Council on Wednesday 20th March, work would start next financial year with the majority of the scheme being delivered over the following two years.

The committee agreed a number of sources of funding to meet its overall capital programme, including £2 million from funds now freed up by a developer contribution, £2 million from selling surplus council property and a provisional £2 million figure set aside against the possible future sale of the council’s Thornbury offices.

Speaking after the meeting, Labour’s Lead Member on Resources issues Cllr Adam Monk (Filton, pictured above), said:

“My colleagues and I are delighted that the threat to the Filton Hill Primary scheme appears to have been lifted, as I am confident that the capital budget will be approved by Council on 20 March. Our children deserve to be educated in a safe and comfortable environment.”

“Unfortunately there are still huge demands for capital work across the district that the council cannot possibly meet because savage cuts mean that our funds are really scarce. Last year the government rejected the council’s application to its Priority School Building programme for central funding for a new school, and we face a huge challenge just to meet the basic need of supplying enough primary places for our youngest children.”

Source: South Gloucestershire Labour

Related link: Schools in Filton (The Journal)

Global aerospace and defence firms with bases in Filton have posted mixed financial results over the past fortnight.

BAE Systems reported a 6.4% drop in earnings before interest and tax to £1.895 billion, which was lower than market predictions.

The company, which was recently planning to merge with Airbus parent firm EADS, said defence cuts in Europe and the US had led to a fall in profits.

In the UK, the defence market has stabilised following changes to programme priorities outlined in 2010 through the UK government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review, says the company.

Meanwhile, EADS itself reported a 19% rise in net profit for 2012, with revenues rising 15% to €56.48bn.

Its Airbus division, which employs more than 4,000 staff in Filton, reported a 17% increase in revenue to €38.6bn (£33.4bn) for the year to 31st December 2012 – up from €33.1bn (£28.7bn) last year.

Engineers at Filton were last year blamed for a design fault on the wings of the A380 passenger aircraft that is costing the company hundreds of millions of euros to fix.

Continued delays in the programme to build its new A350 aircraft could impact profits next year, warn analysts.

Finally, GKN, whose Aerospace division has factories at Filton and Ester Compton, yesterday revealed record profits – but predicted a difficult start to 2013 as demand in Europe declines.

The manufacturer saw a 19% leap in pre-tax profit to £497 million in its full year results for 2012, up from £417 million.

Last year, GKN purchased the aerospace components arm of Swedish industrial group Volvo.

Filton Sports & Leisure Centre is giving local residents the chance to learn vital life-saving skills this week, as part of a link-up with the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), its ‘charity of the year’ for 2013.

During February, GWAAC is running a fundraising initiative called ‘Love Your Air Ambulance’ to raise £250,000 of additional funds for a new Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter in order to replace the ageing Bölkow 105 model that it currently uses. A new helicopter would attend to patients four minutes faster, would allow a mother and child to fly to hospital together and would allow more space for the patient, equipment and mid-air treatment.

In support of this, Filton Sports & Leisure Centre is staging a ‘Save a Heart’ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training event on Tuesday 19th February from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm (on a drop-in basis), to teach vital life-saving skills.

The air ambulance currently attends one cardiac arrest on average per day.

Speaking of their support of the charity, Kelly Pillinger, Assistant Manager at Filton Sports & Leisure Centre said:

“We have raised money for various charities over the years but this time we wanted to pool all our efforts and donate to just one. We chose to support Great Western Air Ambulance as they are local to us and provide such a wonderful service.”

“We are excited and privileged to be helping them raise funds and we would urge all our visitors and customers to get involved in our forthcoming events.”

John Christensen, Chief Executive of GWAAC, said:

“We are delighted that Filton Sports and Leisure Centre have decided to support our cause and hope that the ‘Save a heart’ event is a real success. In 2012, one of our critical care paramedics attended a cardiac arrest related incident at a swimming pool involving a 30-year-old male, which reinforces why it is so important for members of the public to learn such vital life-saving skills.”

For more information about the ‘Save a Heart’ event, please contact Kelly Pillinger by emailing kelly.pillinger@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01454 866686.

Photo: Staff from Filton Sports & Leisure Centre (FSLC) visit the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. L-R: Kelly Pillinger (FSLC), Vicki Brown (GWAAC), Pete Sadler (GWAAC) and Sam Scanlan (FSLC).

Knightstone Housing Association has announced its intention to apply for planning permission to build new homes on the site of Filton Police Station, which is set to be decommissioned in 2014.

The news is revealed in a flyer that has been circulated to local residents and posted on the Filton Town Council website.

On its website, the association says its is working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Avon and Somerset Constabulary to redevelop the site to provide up to 19 affordable homes for rent.

Local residents are invited to attend an information event, where the proposed plans will be displayed.

The event takes place at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Elm Park, on Thursday 21st February, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm.

According to the Knightstone website, the proposals include the construction of one and two bedroom flats, and two and three bedroom houses. The new homes will meet the Homes and Communities Agency’s Quality and Design Standards, including HQI ratings, Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and Building for Life.

Detailed plans are expected to appear on the Knightstone website on Monday (18th February), in advance of the information event.

Knightstone Housing Association provides housing management and support services to over 24,000 tenants and homeowners in 38 local authority areas across the south west.

The Filton Police Station site was put up for sale in May last year, ahead of the planned transfer of police services to a new station in Patchway in 2014.

Related link: Filton Police Station (Knightstone)