More than 750m has been invested in Shorts since 1989 in plant, machinery, new products and training. The collapse of a major customer, Fokker, in 1996 caused the company problems, but the launch of new Bombardier aircraft programmes helped Shorts recover. During 1997 Shorts announced major involvement in two new Bombardier aircraft, the Canadair regional jet series 700 and the Dash 8-400, and delivered the first Apache helicopter components to Boeing. Belfast City Airport handled more than 1.2m passengers in 1997, which also saw a new 1.4m arrivals terminal opening.
Work is under way on a new departures terminal and improved car parking facilities.