The Airbus operation in Bristol (www.airbus.com) is to lead two aerospace research projects designed to improve the wings and fuel systems of its planes.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid visited the Filton base earlier this month to announce £14 million worth of funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute, which is backed by the Government and industry.

One project will look at the manufacturing processes for the next generation of advanced aircraft wings, aimed at speeding up production while also reducing weight and costs; the other will focus on new aircraft fuel and ‘inerting’ systems, to reduce maintenance and improve environmental efficiency.

Mr Javid said: “Our aerospace sector is a real success story. This highly productive industry provides highly skilled jobs and is a key part of our long-term economic growth.”

Airbus chief executive Fabrice Brégier said: “The UK is the world leader in wing and fuel-system development for aircraft. This latest investment in new technologies will help to secure this position for decades to come.”
Following his visit to the Filton site, Mr Javid travelled to the Bristol & Bath Science Park, where he was briefed about plans to bring new investment and jobs to the West of England. The Business Secretary met members of the science park’s steering committee — plus local MPs Ben Howlett, Chris Skidmore and Luke Hall — to discuss proposals to develop a world-class automotive research centre on the site.

The project is being led by the University of Bath and is supported by the steering committee under the leadership of its chairman, Professor Iain Gray. Mr Javid heard how the proposed £50 million project could establish the UK
as “a leader in the creation of cleaner, more-efficient vehicles by building on the university’s expertise in low-carbon automotive propulsion engineering”.

Mr Javid said: “A successful science, technology and engineering sector will play an important part in supporting the Government’s plans for economic growth. That’s why places like Bristol & Bath Science Park have such a vital role to play in meeting our ambitions.

“It was good to hear about the plans and see the level of support for them from the University of Bath, steering committee members and local MPs. I look forward to seeing future plans for the site develop.”

Steve Egan, vice-president (implementation) at the University of Bath (www.bath.ac.uk), said: “We are committed to the development of a facility that will deliver R&D for tomorrow’s clean, efficient vehicles. This facility will work with industry leaders to build on the progress being made in the UK and give us a real competitive edge. We’re encouraged by the support of partners and the opportunity to discuss this with the Government.”