Aerospace and jet zero

The UK aerospace sector is one of the largest in the world. Capable of delivering whole-aircraft capability, we have expertise in aerostructures, composite material manufacture, propulsion, critical aircraft systems, aircraft interiors and through-life services.

Capability is spread throughout the UK, with 88% of aerospace jobs being located outside London and the South East.

The aerospace industry is committed to transitioning to cleaner, greener technologies to meet achieve net zero aviation by 2050.

Opportunity highlights

Full aircraft capability

UK aerospace capability ranges deep and wide; whatever the requirement, the UK has the right knowledge and skills.

Continuous foreign direct investment helps to maintain the latest technologies and developments, which equates to opportunities offering significant export potential.

Propulsion

In addition to global engines leader Rolls-Royce, the UK has innovative suppliers such as JJ Churchill, Castle Precision Engineering, and many other SMEs.

They are developing ground-breaking new technologies and manufacturing techniques, which the industry can capitalise on.

Aerostructures

The industry can take advantage of a robust supply chain of Tier 1s such as GKN and Spirit AeroSystems, who make the leading/trailing edge and full composite wings for Airbus platforms who also have significant presence in the UK.

Several Tier 2 component and small assembly companies help maintain the UK’s leading position in design and manufacturing, investing in the next generation of lightweight aerostructures.

Aircraft systems

Delivering complete system requirements across the aircraft, UK industry has capability in avionics, landing systems, control systems and cabin systems, from air conditioning to in-flight entertainment.

Aircraft interiors

The UK is home to several leading aircraft interior companies manufacturing all classes of seating, interior components and materials specialising in light weight and durable products, providing global customers with the best passenger experience.

Commercial maturity

The UK has a robust and well-developed aerospace sector that has proven its resilience through a global pandemic, turning over £27 billion in 2023, £18.6 billion of which was exported.

The British aerospace industry is pioneering sustainable development with hydrogen and other fuel sources being trialled to help decarbonise the industry.

UK assets

Key aerospace clusters can be found in the Midlands, the North West, the South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Important assets are driving green innovation forward:

High-value manufacturing catapults

Catapults are located across the UK, developing sustainable innovation-driven solutions for the aerospace sector.

Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre at Cranfield University

The centre’s projects drive innovations in digital airspace and airport infrastructure that will help the UK reach its target of net zero carbon emissions. Cranfield is one of the few universities in the world with its own airport.

Rolls-Royce Research and University Technology Centre

A global network that tackles a wide range of engineering and environmental disciplines, from combustion and aerodynamics to noise and manufacturing technology.

UK Aerospace Research Consortium (UK-ARC)

UK-ARC has been created to help organisations identify and engage with the UK’s best aerospace research capability within its leading universities.

UK Global Technology Centre

The UK Global Technology Centre is the result of a joint £32 million investment between GKN Aerospace and the UK government. Its missions range from the development of advanced capabilities for highly rated aerospace manufacturing, to training and developing the UK aerospace technical community.

Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21)

SC21 is an improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. Launched 14 years ago, it’s grown into the largest supply chain improvement programme in the UK aerospace and defence sector.

R&D capability

The UK financially supports a variety of programmes that promote R&D within the aerospace sector. This includes £685 million through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme over the next 3 years to support the development of new ultra-efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technologies.

The government also funded a £3 million research project on Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure (ZEFI) in 2021 to 2022 to support airport preparations for the advent of new aircraft. Findings of the work were published in March 2022.

Support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in the UK

In 2024, the government confirmed its commitment to support the use and production of SAF within the UK. This includes a commitment to introducing a SAF mandate by 2025, with a target of at least 10% SAF in the UK fuel mix by 2030, and the launch of the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund to kickstart a domestic SAF industry by supporting the development of first-of-a-kind commercial-scale plants.

We have also committed £12 million for a UK SAF Clearing House, which will support testing and certification of SAF for use and launched the net zero transatlantic flight fund.

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