Aerospace Features

ADS launches 'Flying Forward' Aerospace Campaign

Posted 18 January 2012

ADS launched its 'Flying Forward' Aerospace Campaign yesterday in the Strangers' Dining Room in the House of Commons. Speakers at the event included Business Minister Mark Prisk who delivered the keynote speech and Emma Reynolds MP, Chair of the newly established All Party Parliamentary Group Aerospace.

The UK Aerospace industry is a major national asset and is crucial to the economic future of the UK, while also delivering environmentally through cuts in carbon dioxide emissions and noise nuisance.

Business Minister Mark Prisk (above), said: “The UK aerospace industry is the largest in Europe and second largest in the world. It’s worth £23bn a year, of which 70% is exported, and therefore makes a valuable contribution to UK PLC.

“The industry has the potential for significant expansion in the coming decades. That’s why the Government is working in the sector, through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, to achieve that potential, boost exports and grow the number of highly skilled jobs available in the UK.

“With growth comes a commitment to produce more efficient aircraft that minimise the impact on the environment. As part of our growth work we are working closely with businesses to ensure that aviation is sustainable, as we move further towards a low carbon economy.”

Rees Ward (above), CEO at ADS, said: “Without a doubt the UK Aerospace industry is an immense asset to the UK in terms of the 360,000 jobs it supports and the high annual turnover, a major part of which comes through its impressive export book. In terms of looking to the future industry is investing nearly 8 per cent of its turnover back into R&D to ensure that the UK continues to be leading player in this vibrant sector. As our report 'Flying Forward' shows if we maintain our global market share and keep up investment, Aerospace will be worth a total of £352bn to the UK by 2029.

“However this is not just economic growth at the expense of the environment. Current aircraft are producing 70% less CO2 emissions than they did 50 years ago, while noise nuisance levels have dropped by 75% over the last 30. Future projections show that even while traffic will increase, by 2050 there will be further 75% and 65% reductions in CO2 and perceived noise emissions on a per passenger basis comparable to new aircraft in 2000.”