Success of UK’s aerospace industry

The UK’s aerospace industry delivered a record-breaking number of aircraft for the sixth consecutive year.

A total of 1,443 commercial aircraft rolled off the production line.

This represented up to £27 billion to the UK’s aerospace industry, an increase of £4bn on 2015.

Aerospace is a strategically important industry for Scotland with companies such as Thales, BAE Systems and RollsRoyce employing 5,000 people in highskill, high-value jobs.

Trade body ADS Group has forecast that this year will see a rise of between 6% and 7% in delivery rates, equating to more than 1,500 new aircraft.

With 13,567 aircraft on order – the highest ever level of demand – manufacturers are facing pressure to increase production rates.

Since 2006, aircraft production has increased by 75%, delivering significant new investment, jobs and prosperity to the UK.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our modern industrial strategy will build on our existing strengths as an agile, modern economy, and the UK aerospace sector is one of our great success stories, generating around £30bn a year and supporting nearly 230,000 jobs.

“We are number one in Europe and the increase in global aircraft production is good news for the whole of our aero supply chain.

“With government and industry investing nearly £4bn by 2026, we have shown our continued commitment to this vital industry.”

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group, said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is a global success story.

“Year-on-year, companies throughout the country are winning against tough international competitors to deliver regional growth and national prosperity.”

He called on businesses throughout the supply chain to focus on driving up productivity.

The UK Government had demonstrated commitment to UK aerospace through continued support for an aerospace industrial strategy.

He added: “The value of this is heightened as we prepare for Brexit in remaining globally competitive and a base of exciting innovation.”

Picture: PA. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon beside a Rolls-Royce Trent aero engine.