Image courtesy GE Aerospace
 
With an installed base of 78,000 commercial and military engines worldwide, GE Aerospace has placed the UK at the heart of its digital and AI capabilities, reflecting the strength of Britain’s aerospace workforce and the global impact of UK-developed innovation.

 
During the visit, the Aviation Minister interacted directly with several technologies developed in Filton. He drove one of the site’s advanced inspection robots and carried out an AI-assisted borescope inspection, experiencing first-hand how digital tools are helping engineers identify defects more quickly and accurately. These capabilities not only improve inspection quality and shorten aircraft turnaround times but also generate valuable data that feed into next-generation engine design and sustainability improvements across GE Aerospace’s worldwide network.
 
Filton’s advanced inspection capabilities sit within GE Aerospace’s broader UK Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network, which plays a central role in the company’s global operations and its 53,000-strong workforce. 
 
A £19 million investment announced at last week’s Wales Investment Summit will modernise the company’s Cardiff facility and expand maintenance capacity for international customers. Meanwhile, a new multimillion-pound On-Wing Inspection Facility at Heathrow Airport will provide rapid diagnostics for UK and visiting airlines. Taken together, these UK investments form part of a wider European programme announced in October 2024 to invest over £107 million in MRO and Component Repair facilities through 2026.
 
During his visit, the Minister also met with placement students who are gaining direct industry experience at the aerospace giant to complement their University studies and who spoke passionately about their desire to develop a long-term career in Filton’s thriving aerospace sector. 
 
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, said: “It’s been great to see the AI inspection tools being developed here in Filton and understand how GE Aerospace is leading innovation in the field here in the UK – a big vote of confidence in our world-leading aviation sector.
 
"We’re backing expansion of Britain’s major airports, creating thousands of new jobs and boosting growth, and new technology like this will be vital to deliver our vision for increased airport capacity – shortening aircraft turnaround times whilst improving safety.” 
 
Matthew Roberts, Filton Site Leader, GE Aerospace, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister and give him the opportunity to experience our inspection technologies up close. Our Filton operation is proud to support airline customers with our AI-enabled engine inspection tools in addition to our growing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network across Scotland, Wales and Heathrow Airport."