‘Iron Maiden’ Singer & Pilot Creating 1,000 Aviation Jobs in Wales

Bruce Dickinson onstage with Iron Maiden

Heavy Metal vocalist and airline pilot Bruce Dickinson has announced a multi-million pound business venture in the southern part of Wales that will create am estimated 1,000 new aviation jobs.

‘Through his company Cardiff Aviation a major commercial airline maintenance repair and overhaul operation at St Athan in the of Vale of Glamorgan is being established.’

Dickinson, who sings for the legendary English metal band Iron Maiden, announced the joint venture that will see him partnering with the Welsh Government who will provide start-up capital:

Dickinson said:

‘We’re coming into this enterprise with the knowledge that we’ll also be bringing business to South Wales – a cautious projection is that we’d expect to create up to a thousand jobs within 18 months based on the level of interest and commitment from aircraft manufacturers and operators.

“South Wales has long had an association with the aircraft industry and I am delighted that I am able to have a small part in the continuation of that tradition.”’

Welsh Business Minister Edwina Hart says they are excited about the project and is just what Wales needs:

‘”We have been working closely with Bruce Dickinson and Cardiff Aviation on this exciting project for some time and delighted it has come to fruition. This is exactly the type of investment needed – bringing money into the local economy while also providing an international promotion for St Athan Aerospace Business Park and the Aviation Enterprise Zone.’

The first commercial airline customers are to be announced this month and the facility will be able to service aircraft up to a Boeing 767 size aircraft.

Even though Dickinson’s ‘day job’ is singing with his band, he is not only an avid aviator but a licensed commercial airline pilot.

Dickinson even flies his band and crew around the world on their concert tours in a Boeing 757.

Image: Flickr [ceedub13]