A new Sector Deal between the aerospace industry and the Government was announced in a speech given earlier this month in Bristol by Business Secretary Greg Clark to businesses, researchers, civic leaders and industry representatives to mark the first anniversary of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Included in Mr Clark’s announcements were: a multi-million-pound package of new investment to ‘turbo-charge’ UK industry (this includes funding from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to develop the Future Flight Challenge); £15 million of Government investment for GKN Aerospace’s new Global Technology Centre in Bristol; and a new Government-industry Aerospace Sector Deal that includes support proposals for supply chain SMEs to boost their competitiveness on the global stage, plus a pledge to increase the number of women in aviation.
The Future Flight Challenge will provide up to £125 million to aerospace and other manufactures to research and engineer new technologies and infrastructure; this fund will be matched by industry and will support the development of electric and autonomous aircraft, transforming the future of transport in urban areas.
Mr Clark said that by 2026, the Government and industry will have jointly invested more than £4 billion in the future of UK aerospace.
Baroness Sugg, the Minister for Aviation, said: “The UK is a global leader in aviation innovation. From urban air mobility vehicles to small electric aircraft and drones, we are already developing exciting new forms of transport.
“Through the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge and alongside our forthcoming Aviation Strategy, we are exploring how these new technologies will change the way we travel, helping to create the right conditions for the UK’s aerospace and drone industries to flourish.”
Paul Everitt (chief executive of ADS — the trade organisation for companies in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors) said: “A strong long-term partnership between Government and industry is essential for UK aerospace to meet the challenges of global competition and new market opportunities.
The Aerospace Sector Deal demonstrates the UK’s commitment to continue as one of the most attractive locations for the global aerospace and aviation industries.
“Meanwhile, the Future Flight Challenge will ensure that the UK takes a lead in delivering cleaner, quieter and more-innovative aircraft.
“We must fast-track the electrification of flight, exploit the global potential of new urban mobility solutions and pioneer autonomous aviation.”