This funding aims to accelerate the development of sustainable air travel, support high-skilled jobs, and reinforce the UK's position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
In a major stride towards a greener future for aviation, the UK's aerospace sector is set to receive a substantial boost with a joint government and industry investment exceeding 拢250 million. The announcement was made by Industry Minister Sarah Jones at the Paris Air Show on June 17.
The funding package is poised to fuel pioneering projects focused on next-generation aerospace technologies. Key areas of investment include advancements in gas turbines, the development of hydrogen-powered flight, and the application of sophisticated laser technologies for large-scale aerostructure manufacturing. This strategic injection of capital is expected to attract further inward investment into the UK鈥檚 world-leading aerospace sector and create thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country, particularly outside of London.
This announcement comes as new figures from the industry鈥檚 trade association, ADS, highlight the robust health of the UK aerospace sector. In 2024, the sector contributed an impressive 拢13.6 billion to the economy, marking an almost 50% increase compared to 2014. Furthermore, it directly supports 100,000 jobs, cementing its critical role in the UK鈥檚 high-value manufacturing base. The sector also achieved a record 拢1.9 billion in business Research & Development (R&D) spending last year, driven by continuous investment in sustainable technology and manufacturing advancements to scale up UK production.
Minister Sarah Jones emphasized the government鈥檚 unwavering support for the aerospace industry. "This government is backing aerospace," she stated. "This investment will keep it at the forefront of innovation, not only delivering economic growth but boosting the charge to net zero 2030, two key pillars of our Plan for Change." She further added that this is "the latest win for British aerospace in the run-up to the launch of our Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in our advanced manufacturing and defence sectors to take them to new heights, bringing new high-skilled jobs to every corner of the UK."
During her visit to the Paris Air Show, the world's largest event for civil aerospace, Minister Jones is scheduled to tour the UK鈥檚 pavilion, engage with British exhibiting companies, and hold meetings with prominent aerospace industry leaders such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and GKN. These discussions are aimed at encouraging even greater investment in British aerospace, promoting the UK's esteemed R&D offerings on the global stage, and exploring avenues for government support to help businesses expand their manufacturing and operational presence within the UK.
