Flying high: driving innovation, resilience and growth of UK aerospace
As part of the Manufacturing Matters policy paper series, the University of Sheffield AMRC’s aerospace policy paper draws on the latest data and case studies with global aviation leaders to outline a strategic path to secure the future of UK aerospace.
The UK aerospace sector is facing a defining moment. It currently holds ten per cent of the global market contributing £14.3 billion to the UK economy, and supports over 100,000 skilled jobs, but long-term leadership is not guaranteed.
As global manufacturers prepare to launch next-generation aircraft to radically reduce emissions, UK suppliers must rapidly adopt high-rate, low-carbon manufacturing technologies by the end of this decade to remain competitive.
For the last 25 years, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has bridged the gap between cutting-edge research and the factory floor — partnering with over 1,100 businesses annually, unlocking hundreds of millions in private investment, and scaling high-value jobs.
To secure this global competitive edge, government, industry and academia must act now.
Our core policy recommendations
- De-risk industrial innovation: maintain long-term government and industry collaboration via the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) to fund and de-risk vital manufacturing technologies.
- Scale the supply chain: provide targeted incentives for aerospace suppliers to invest in advanced, competitive manufacturing capabilities.
- Build future-ready skills: align national training frameworks directly with next-generation digital and high-rate manufacturing methodologies.