Airbus Announces Over £40M worth of high tech research contracts to keep UK aerospace flying high
Airbus today announced the signing of £42 million worth of collaborative research contracts as part of the UK Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) - a long term partnership between the Government and UK aerospace industries that will help keep the industry at the vanguard of global aerospace.
The contracts with the UK Government and Technology Strategy Board (TSB) are part of Airbus’ Wing of the Future development programme looking at the advanced technologies that will underpin future wing design and improving environmental performance and fuel efficiency.
The contracts are the first to be signed by Airbus as part of the ATI and will see detailed research take place over the next two years into making more efficient and environmentally friendly wings as well as systems installation, advanced landing gear and fuel systems.
The UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:
“The UK aerospace is going from strength to strength and helping our economic recovery. We are the number one aerospace industry in Europe and second only to the United States globally.
“I have seen for myself the innovative work of the highly skilled workers at Airbus. This Government is investing money in Airbus research so that they can design and build the wings of the future..
“By working in partnership with business, we are building a stronger, more balanced economy, creating more jobs and sharing the wealth equally.”
Fabrice Bregier – Airbus President and CEO said:
“Today's announcement is a hugely important milestone showing positive progress between the UK Government and the aerospace industry. Research is the lifeblood of the aerospace industry and this shows that the Aerospace Technology Institute can make a real difference developing vital long term skills and technologies.
“The ATI clearly demonstrates the government's understanding of the needs of the industry and its willingness to work with aerospace in the formulation of industrial policy helping keep the UK at the forefront of global aerospace, promoting long term growth and high value employment.”
The ATI announcement is a key part of the Aerospace Growth Partnership between government and industry and will underpin long term growth in the industry by providing up to £2bn of investment over seven years for advanced research and development.
The contracts announced by Airbus today will see collaborative research take place over the next two years along with partners at the National Composites Centre, GKN and Spirit, and SMEs in the UK such as TEConnectivity.
Airbus employs over 10,000 people in the UK, many in high skilled jobs building, designing and testing the wings, fuel systems and landing gears for all the Airbus civil aircraft families.
