Welsh Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones today announced the Welsh Assembly's largest ever investment in research and development, with a £7.5 million contribution to a £103 million programme led by Airbus UK, to revolutionise aircraft wing technology.

The programme will ensure that the Airbus wing manufacturing plant at Broughton, which employs nearly 7,000 people, will remain a world leader and at the cutting edge of wing design and manufacturing.

Mr Jones said: "This vital research and technology programme will give the world-class Broughton plant the skills and knowledge to remain at the forefront of aircraft wing design and manufacture, and will put it in a strong position to win key contracts in the future.

"As part of our involvement, Airbus will be making a major contribution to the Assembly's strategy for technology learning and training across Wales, and will also support our work to develop Welsh supply chain companies."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "Airbus' operation is one of only two facilities in the world capable of the manufacture of wings for large civil aircraft.

"Not only does it make a huge contribution to the Welsh economy, it also serves as a flagship for engineering and manufacturing excellence in Wales."

Tom Williams, executive vice president of Airbus, added: "This programme, along with continued investment in research and technology in composites, is key to the sector's competitiveness and success in tackling future technology challenges."