News
Wales flying high at Paris Air Show
WALES’ Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething is flying the flag for the nation’s aerospace companies at the Paris Air Show today and is using the visit to encourage companies interested in investing in the UK to make Wales their location of choice.
The Minister’s two-day visit coincides with Wales in France year, the Welsh Government’s year-long celebration of Wales’ historic links with France.
Paris is the largest aerospace event in the world, attracting over 2,400 exhibitors from 49 countries and 139,000 trade visitors from 185 countries.
Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace manufacturing and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) related activities, with more than 160 companies employing more than 23,000 people across the country, accounting for 10% of the UK’s aerospace industry.
Five of the top 10 global aerospace and defence companies have a significant presence in Wales including Raytheon, GE, Airbus, General Dynamics and Safran. Their state-of-the-art facilities manufacture, supply, maintain, repair and overhaul aircraft from around the world.
Wales is also home to world-leading research which is supporting Aerospace and its transition to Net Zero by 2050. This includes research at 8 universities, and at Catapult R&D Centres at AMRC Cymru in north Wales and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult in south Wales.
The Welsh Government has a pavilion at the Paris Air Show to promote Wales’ aerospace and space capabilities to a global audience.
The Minister’s itinerary at the show includes meetings with some of the world’s leading aerospace companies, including Airbus, Thales, GE, Triumph and Safran.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
“The aerospace sector plays a major role in the Welsh economy, employing tens of thousands of people across the country. From the wings manufactured by Airbus in north Wales and Thales and Safran’s high-tech innovations in south Wales, I’m very proud that our aerospace companies are leading players in their fields.
“Wales’ presence at the Paris Air Show this week allows us to showcase our industry to a global audience. My message to that audience is clear – Wales is a great place to invest, and that the Welsh Government is a stable government and a trusted partner for businesses who want to make their future part of Wales’ future.
“I’m very much looking forward to meeting industry representatives and to do all we can to promote Wales and our considerable strengths and talent to the world.”
The aerospace sector in Wales is a dynamic growth industry that operates on best practice techniques and is supported directly by Aerospace Wales.
As the trade association for all companies operating in the aerospace & defence sector in Wales, Aerospace Wales works closely with the Welsh Government to promote Welsh capabilities globally, facilitate collaboration and networking opportunities and encourage and support participation at major international events.
Wales has strong links with France:
There are 80 French companies in Wales employing over 10,000 people.
France is Wales’ 3rd largest inward investor, and over the past 8 years, investments by French companies have created over 1,700 new jobs in Wales and safeguarded over 6,400 jobs.
France is also a significant export partner, with over £1.5bn exports from Wales to France in 2022, making France the 4th biggest export destination for Welsh goods.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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