Jeremy Whittingham, head of marketing for the UK’s largest annual manufacturing and engineering exhibition, Advanced Engineering, explains why the UK’s aerospace sector is one of the most impressive in the world, despite its potential challenges.
The Sopwith Camel, the Supermarine Spitfire and the Galileo satellite system were all built by the British aerospace industry. Britain has a trans-generational connection to aviation, having been a prime player in the sector since the foundation of the industry.
According to ADS, the trade organisation for the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, the UK’s aerospace and defence industry generates £74 billion annually and employs 380,000 people. Despite these statistics, many fear for the future of the UK’s global position.
Many iconic aircraft have been manufactured by British companies. However, the industry has adapted over the years, becoming increasingly specialised and widely distributed. These days it’s rare that one country assembles an entire aircraft, instead countries are opting to manufacture specific components. For example, UK aerospace manufacturers are now particularly known for cutting-edge wing technology.
Nonetheless, British aerospace continues to shine, showing a 20% productivity growth — more than both Germany and France. The UK aerospace industry is also the second largest in the world and is one of the traditional commercial backbones of its economy.
Due to its specific nature, aerospace is a research and development (R&D) hungry industry. In fact, aerospace businesses account for 8.1% of total R&D spend — roughly £1.7 billion in 2015 alone. Not only does this benefit the industry itself, it also benefits many other sectors because manufacturers can cross over into other segments.
However, it isn’t time to undo the proverbial seat belt and start roaming around the cabin. While the UK aerospace industry is in a strong position, the sector must still overcome some challenges.
While working in aerospace may net 50% higher earnings than any other manufacturing job, it is struggling to find recruits to bolster its ranks.
However, unlike other industries, British aerospace already possesses a large pool of experts that can pass on knowledge to future generations. Combining this with recent government initiatives, means that the industry has the tools to develop top talent.
By leaving the European Union, the UK would potentially disaffiliate its membership to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which regulates aerospace parts trading across the EU. This could dull the competitive edge that UK aerospace exporters have with global partners.
Despite this, as most parts produced in Britain are already made to meet EASA regulations, any loss of membership could allow for new trade ties with nations with growing aerospace industries, such as India and China. This means that while leaving the EASA may have a short-term negative impact, it may lead to long term growth and reinstated stability.
While there may be multiple challenges facing the British aerospace industry, each element of uncertainty has a positive potential outcome. The UK aerospace industry is currently in a strong financial position, which will protect it even if research investment starts to decline.
Technological prowess is a key factor for the future of the aerospace industry — and due to the cost, risk and the critical nature of air and space travel, only the best is enough.
Whether it is through increasing governmental spending or private investment, additional funding could attract more promising candidates locally and from overseas, regardless of the red tape surrounding access to the talent pool.
As one of the largest pillars of the UK economy, ensuring a strong future for the aerospace sector could be key to overcoming uncertainty. It is important to make sure that a strategy is in place to help the sector grow.
While the days of the Sopwith and Spitfire may be long gone, their foundations of innovation can still be seen in British aerospace engineering to this day.
To get involved in the discussion and be at the forefront of industry developments, book your place at Advanced Engineering, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on October 30-31, 2019.
