The South West’s aerospace sector has been recognised as a “world leader” in sustainable aviation, as part of a government drive to attract investment into the region.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) has identified the South West as a “global destination” for aviation business and research into new and emerging technologies, which could be used to help decarbonise the industry.
The High Potential Opportunity (HPO) programme will outline the area’s existing aviation ecosystem – which includes giants of the trade such as Airbus and GKN Aerospace – and rich aerospace heritage, to potential investors around the world.
As well as the work of international firms such as Gloucestershire-based engineering business Renishaw, the initiative will also highlight disruptive companies within the South West’s prominent aerospace cluster, such as Bristol-based ‘flying taxi’ company Vertical Aerospace.
The programme, which is supported by the Heart of the South West LEP and the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), will also seek to champion the South West for its supporting infrastructure of research and development centres, such as engineering organisations the National Composites Centre in Bristol, and “world-class universities”.
Potential investors will be invited to play a role in the development, demonstration, and adoption of new and emerging sustainable aviation markets, including electrification and hydrogen fuels.
Nine organisations in the South West, including Airbus, Bristol Airport, airline Easyjet and Bristol Port recently announced a new hydrogen partnership to produce, store and transport the element across the area.
Stuart Hatch, head of aerospace and space at DIT, said: “The decarbonisation of the aerospace sector offers companies an exciting opportunity to design, develop and manufacture the air mobility solutions of the future.
“With its vibrant cluster of innovative SMEs, operating alongside established aerospace firms like Airbus, Leonardo and GKN, the South West offers an unparalleled environment for overseas companies to grow their business in the UK.”
Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, added: “It is vital that companies grasp the opportunity the region presents for the future of aviation, as we support them in developing smarter, more sustainable air transport.
“This is also a brilliant opportunity to benefit the wider South West and UK industry and economy, boosting job creation and accelerating the UK’s advantage in the sector.”
