Boeing recently welcomed a delegation of 34 UK aerospace suppliers to its Future of Flight Museum in Seattle as part of the company’s initiative to integrate more UK products and services into its supply chain.

Boeing’s long-term partnership with the UK Government has seen the aerospace giant commit to doubling its presence in the UK, increase bidding opportunities for UK companies for Boeing work, and boost R&D opportunities.

The aerospace sector is one of the UK’s most open and international industries, and the Government is backing this delegation to increase ties between the US and UK aviation communities (the UK’s aerospace industry had a turnover of £39 billion last year, most of which was exported).

Martin Donnelly, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing UK and Ireland, said: “Boeing recognises the UK as a world leader in the aerospace sector (www.boeing.com).

"We are proud of our close partnership with business and universities across the UK, and our partnership with Britain’s armed forces.

"Boeing is growing in the UK, and we are looking for ways to develop further our presence here as a key part of Boeing’s global supply chain.”

Graham Stuart, the Minister for Investment, said: “With expertise in complex products such as engines, wings, aerostructures and advanced systems, the British aerospace sector is overwhelmingly export-oriented.

"The DIT is proud to facilitate trade missions such as this one to Boeing, where UK companies can demonstrate their expertise, build relationships and seek to join one of the world’s most demanding supply chains.”