The UK government has announced a £600 million package to support the aerospace industry, with ministers promising to use science and innovation to create jobs and drive economic
growth across the country.
New Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds made the announcement during a visit to the Farnborough International Airshow on Wednesday, as the new government set out its plans to bring together industry, research and investment.
The funding includes more than £500 million for aerospace research and technology projects aimed at developing greener aircraft, alongside a proposed £100 million fund to help British aerospace suppliers expand and compete globally.
The government said the investment was part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to “reindustrialise Britain” and ensure that economic growth benefits communities across the UK.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This government is laser-focused on bringing good growth to every corner of the country, and we’re wasting no time getting on with the job.
Aerospace is one of Britain’s great industrial success stories. Partnerships like this show the power of bringing business and innovation together to harness our strong manufacturing base and cutting-edge research to support skilled jobs right across the UK”.
The new funding will support projects focused on technologies including advanced aircraft wings, future engine systems, hydrogen-powered flight, digital engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Among the projects receiving support are Airbus-led programmes developing next-generation wing designs and production methods, and Rolls-Royce initiatives building on its UltraFan engine technology.
Companies including ZeroAvia and Safran will also work on hydrogen and electric propulsion systems designed to make aviation more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The government said the aerospace sector supports thousands of skilled jobs, with around 90% of high-tech roles located outside London and the South East.
A new Aerospace Supply Chain Fund, developed with the British Business Bank and industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Safran and trade body ADS, will provide growth capital to suppliers looking to increase productivity, invest in skills and expand operations.
The fund aims to help smaller businesses take advantage of growing demand in the global aerospace market.
Gary Elliott, CEO, Aerospace Technology Institute said:
“The UK aerospace sector’s world-class innovation and manufacturing capability is being showcased at Farnborough this week. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace technology, driving jobs, growth and competitiveness as we work to double the sector’s market value by 2035.
These projects add to a balanced portfolio of investments that cement UK leadership in designing the future of flight”.
The government has also signed a partnership agreement with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to strengthen cooperation on aerospace research, innovation and supply chain opportunities.
The agreement is expected to help UK companies access new opportunities within Embraer’s global network and increase collaboration between British firms and one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.
The Aerospace Growth Partnership has also published a new strategy outlining plans to expand the UK aerospace industry by 2030, with ambitions to double the sector’s share of the global market by 2035 and support the transition towards net zero aviation.
Ministers said the package would help turn British scientific research into commercial success, investment and long-term economic growth. Photo by Dmitry A. Mottl, Wikimedia commons.
