Aerospace Sector

The UK has the largest aerospace manufacturing market in Europe and is second only to the United States globally. This successful, vibrant sector is also characterised by high-value, high technology engineering and service industries. UK aerospace is also quite resilient with an ability to at least maintain revenues even in the current global recession.

Demand for skills makes the UK one of the most attractive locations with its internationally recognised and well respected higher education system. The well established partnerships between the world’s major aerospace companies and UK based research capabilities is perhaps one reason why the UK aerospace industry is the home of many pioneering aerospace technologies.

Seven of the top ten global aerospace companies have a presence in the Solent sub-region supported by a very strong and diverse advanced manufacturing sector. This is particularly so with regard to aerospace and marine sectors both of which generate more the £70,000 of GVA per worker.

The Solent LEP or South Hampshire area is a part of the wider South East of England economic region. The South East is one of the most dynamic and successful regional economies in the UK.

  • The South East regional economy is valued at £187 billion (GVA - 2010)

  • Over 500 aerospace businesses, including large, multinational primes and niche, technically-advanced suppliers. Across aerospace and defence it is thought the South East has nearly 1,000 business units

  • A high-tech research intensive economy supported by 24 universities and a regional research and development (R&D) spend of £3.4 billion

  • A highly educated workforce of 4.3 million with over 93,000 aerospace and defence specialists

The UK’s leading business aviation airport at Farnborough, as well as three international airports; London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Southampton.