A full-size helicopter, models of the world's latest passenger aircraft, an experimental unmanned aircraft, and a hybrid airship have been attracting attention and showcasing the very best of the British aerospace industry for the last two weeks in the heart of Westminster, just yards from the Houses of Parliament. The exhibition at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, which coincides with the opening by the Prime Minister of a state-of-the art £400 million factory for Airbus wings in North Wales, provides a showcase for the UK designers and manufacturers who help make some of the world's most sophisticated aircraft. It highlights the expertise Britain has in this sector, and the £23 billion contribution that aerospace makes to the economy per year. The exhibition was visited today by Business Minister, Mark Prisk following a meeting of the Aerospace Growth Partnership, which brings business leaders and government together to take action to address barriers to growth, boost exports and grow the number of highly skilled aerospace jobs available in the UK. “Britain's aerospace industry is one of our biggest manufacturing success stories,” stated Business Minister Mark Prisk. “We are the largest aerospace sector in Europe and second only to the United States globally. The UK aerospace industry creates £23 billion of business a year, of which 70% is exported. That is why I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to support the industry and showcase its successes with exhibitions like this one.” Graham Chisnall, managing director aerospace and operations, ADS added: “Aerospace is one of the real avenues of growth for the UK, generating £23 billion in 2011 and expanding at the rate of 5% per year. Aerospace is very much a jewel in the UK's rich crown of advanced manufacturing, being number one in Europe and number two globally. There are challenges ahead but these are by no means insurmountable when there is an industry and Government co-operative approach as demonstrated by the Aerospace Growth Partnership, and many opportunities to grow market share along the way.” www.bis.gov.uk
