Aerospace

Andy Schofield appointed NWAA Chair

Posted 10 January 2022

Professor Andy Schofield has been announced as the new Chair of the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA).

Image BAE Systems

The North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) unites companies and organisations from across regional aerospace sector supply chains and seeks to drive forward innovation for products and services through its support programmes for local supply chain businesses.

Comprising of over 220 member companies the NWAA represents around 25% of the UK aerospace industry, contributing around £7 billion to the UK economy, which makes the North West region the largest air sector industry cluster in Europe.

As a Director of Programme Technology Integration at BAE Systems, Professor Andy Schofield (above) brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, including over forty years engineering experience in the Aerospace Industry and involvement in a number of Advisory Groups in the UK.

Of his appointment Andy said: “I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to take up the position as Chair of this influential and forward thinking organisation.

“The work the Alliance does in supporting its members has a significant impact on the success and prominence of our region as an industrial force in the UK’s aerospace sector.

“Here in the North West we have a strong industrial heritage that we are keen to see grow well into the future; ensuring that as a region we remain at the forefront of aerospace innovation and continue to produce the skilled workforce with the technical expertise required to succeed.

“I am looking forward to help drive the North West Aerospace Alliance forward and, hopefully uncover some fantastic innovation and talent along the way.”

Andy has taken over from the outgoing chair Neil McKay, who left at the end of 2021 after 25 years with the NWAA.

Speech marks Sharon McDonald, Chief Executive of the North West Aerospace Alliance said: “We at NWAA are delighted with Andy’s appointment and I personally very much look forward to working with him.

“Andy has the knowledge, experience and credentials required to take forward the excellent work of Neil McKay and lead NWAA into the future.”