ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

Image courtesy ATI 

Engineering Growth is a blueprint for sustainable economic growth in the industry and provides an independent assessment of the technology investment priorities for our sector. These investments will accelerate technology and industrial readiness to meet the launch date for new aircraft programmes, unprecedented delivery requirements and decarbonisation of the sector.

A $41 billion (£30.6bn) market opportunity
The UK opportunity is fuelled by the anticipated launch of a next generation single-aisle aircraft programme around the end of the decade. Delivering technology readiness and maturity in areas of UK strength, such as scalable ultra-efficient engines, advanced wings and lightweight systems, by 2030 would allow the UK to increase its single-aisle market value from $5.3 billion in 2025 to $24 billion by 2050. Key to this success will be the adoption of smarter technologies through manufacturing and assembly to deliver the required technologies at the rate, cost and quality the global market demands.

Engineering Growth, published today, provides the strategic foundation to achieving this.

ATI Programme £8 billion investment (2014-2035)
Delivering on this strategy will require focused investment, leadership and collaboration across the sector. In 2025, the UK Government announced a £2.3 billion investment into the UK aerospace sector through the ATI Programme. This 10-year funding commitment provides the long-term stability to stimulate a step change in technology and capability development. By 2035, when match-funded by industry, UK government investment will have delivered £8 billion of research and technology investment through the ATI since 2014.

To fully achieve the market potential of our industry though, additional investment will be needed. Engineering Growth showcases the technologies that offer the best return on investment to 2035 and beyond and invites public and private investors to increase the inclusion of UK aerospace in their portfolios.

Decarbonising the future of flight
Achieving Net Zero in aerospace by 2050 relies on technological innovation, improved operations, advanced fuels, policy support and coordinated sector action. ATI analysis considers how new aircraft technology and operational improvements can contribute towards this. Ultra-efficient aircraft technologies will reduce fuel burn compared with today’s aircraft helping to avoid some of the carbon emissions from growth in aviation. Wings and engines have the biggest impact on aircraft carbon emissions to 2050, while promising the most significant return on investment. World-leading strengths in these capabilities, and the systems underpinning them, means the UK will be essential to decarbonising aerospace emissions. ATI analysis shows that technology and operational improvements could cumulatively avoid 3Gt of carbon emissions by 2050, increasing to 16Gt by 2070 when zero-carbon aircraft are more prevalent.

To deliver these economic and environmental ambitions, Engineering Growth includes four strategic roadmaps:

• Ultra-efficient technologies: Driving performance in next generation single-aisle and widebody aircraft.
• Zero-carbon technologies: Advancing hydrogen-powered and battery-electric flight.
• Industrial competitiveness: Revolutionising industrial productivity.
• Non-CO2: Addressing aviation’s broader climate impact.

Gary Elliott, CEO, Aerospace Technology Institute, said: “The global race to secure market share on future aircraft platforms has begun. The UK has a unique opportunity to secure an $18 billion generational prize by focusing on delivering technological and industrial readiness. Engineering Growth provides a blueprint for investment and activity across the sector to guide decision making and maximise returns. Focus, leadership and collaboration will deliver sustained economic growth, support high-value jobs across the UK and support the decarbonisation of the sector.

“Beyond our funding programme, the ATI helps stimulate innovation, build powerful consortia and attract the investment needed to strengthen our supply chain. If we get this right, the returns for the UK are huge. I look forward to working with our partners to deliver on that potential and secure this prize for the benefit of the UK.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “It’s fantastic to see the UK’s world-leading aerospace sector show real intent to drive forward the next generation of flight and lead the charge towards net zero aviation.

“Our Modern Industrial Strategy is all about Government and industry working in partnership to realise these bold ambitions, so the UK remains at the forefront of innovation while creating the jobs and growth this country desperately needs.”

The full UK Aerospace Technology Strategy is available for download here.

The ATI is hosting a launch webinar at11:00 on Tuesday 19th May 2026 with registration open here.