Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus has launched operations in Australia, expanding its presence in the global public transport market as governments and operators continue investing in zero-emission fleet procurement.

The Belfast News Letter reports that the Ballymena-based manufacturer is entering the Australian market as part of its international growth strategy, building on a relationship that began more than 30 years ago when the company first exported buses to Canberra. The expansion was officially unveiled at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney.

The Australian operation will focus on supporting transport operators and public sector organisations transitioning to battery-electric and hydrogen-powered buses through long-term partnerships, local expertise and engineering support.

Wrightbus is introducing three vehicles to the Australian market, including its Kite battery-electric single deck and Kite hydrogen fuel cell single deck models, both of which have already been approved on the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) Procurement Panel. The approval enables eligible operators to procure the vehicles through an established government purchasing framework.

The company is also showcasing its StreetDeck 6x2 battery-electric double decker, following a recent order for 20 vehicles by Hong Kong operator Citybus after a competitive tender process. The contract highlights the growing international demand for zero-emission transport solutions and demonstrates the company's experience in securing public transport procurement opportunities.

Jo Bamford CBE, executive chairman of Wrightbus, said Australia represents a key market as governments continue investing in cleaner public transport infrastructure. Managing director Christian Reynolds added that the company's approach extends beyond supplying vehicles by working with operators to build long-term partnerships and sustainable transport ecosystems.

The expansion is supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has worked with Wrightbus to develop opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. Invest NI said increasing investment in transport decarbonisation presents significant opportunities for Northern Ireland's advanced manufacturing and clean technology sectors.

Wrightbus currently operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and Malaysia and employs more than 2,300 people, supported by an extended supply chain valued at more than £300 million annually. Its zero-emission fleet has collectively travelled more than 200 million emission-free kilometres across the UK, Europe and Asia.

The expansion reflects growing international demand for suppliers capable of supporting public transport decarbonisation through established procurement frameworks, competitive tendering and proven zero-emission technologies.