New deal could see Red Arrows jets built in Ayrshire

A new deal means that Scotland is a “strong contender” to build the next generation of Red Arrows planes.

British aircraft manufacturer Aeralis and Glasgow Prestwick International Airport have signed a strategic agreement, formalising their joint approach to the building of the aircraft in Ayrshire.

That deal, signed on Saturday during the Ayrshire Festival of Flight, could see new planes for the Red Arrows – the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force – built in Scotland.

The Red Arrows currently fly in Hawk T1 jets that are due to be retired in 2030 – and Aeralis is reportedly the only firm in the UK designing and building a manned light jet aircraft, which could act as a replacement.