The British government announced today that up to £180 million (€264 million) is to be invested in Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast to help create more than 3,000 jobs.
The money will help the Bombardier plant be chosen as a supplier to a new family of airliners being built by its parent firm.
The money will involve £150 million (€220 million) in launch investment and £30 million (€44 million) of selective financial assistance and will generate up to 3,200 jobs.
The investment will allow the Belfast plant to be selected as a key supplier to the new 110-130 seat series of airliners, according to the British government.
The agreement is subject to a formal decision by Bombardier to launch the programme. The government said the move would generate 1,700 direct jobs and more than 1,500 in the supply chain.
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said: "The work packages to be awarded will see the company return to the highly specialised production of aircraft wings and create a centre of excellence at Belfast for aircraft wing manufacture.
"The new jobs will make a significant contribution towards the social and economic well-being of Northern Ireland."
Bombardier employs around 5,400 at a number of sites in and around Belfast.
PA