UK Aerospace Manufacturing Sees Boost in 2024 Budget, Building on Previous £90m Investment

UK Aerospace Manufacturing Sees Boost in 2024 Budget, Building on Previous £90m Investment

The UK aerospace manufacturing sector received a significant boost in the 2024 Spring Budget, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announcing nearly £200 million in joint government and industry funding for aerospace R&D projects. This commitment to driving innovation comes on the heels of a £90 million investment made just three years ago in 2021.

The 2021 funding, provided through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, supported five key projects led by major players like GKN Aerospace, Renishaw, and Airbus. These initiatives aimed to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and develop lightweight materials for future hybrid and electric aircraft. The investment helped secure around 1,400 jobs across the UK and positioned the sector to build back greener post-pandemic.

Fast forward to 2024, and the government is doubling down on its support for aerospace innovation. The nearly £200 million pledged in the latest budget will be allocated to various R&D efforts, including £40 million for a Marshall ADG-led project focused on zero-carbon aircraft engine technology and £96 million for Airbus-led projects.

Shaun Rowley, managing director of aerospace engine parts manufacturer ANT Industries, hailed the funding as crucial for advancing sustainable aviation. He emphasised the transformative potential of these investments, stating, "Projects like the zero-carbon aircraft engine are emblematic of our collective commitment to reducing the environmental impact of air travel."

The 2024 budget allocations build upon the progress made since the 2021 investments. The previous funding has already yielded results, with GKN Aerospace accelerating deployment of its composite wing spar technology and Renishaw's 3D printer achieving breakthroughs in build size and speed for aerospace components.

As the UK aerospace manufacturing sector continues to recover from the pandemic and faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, sustained government support for R&D remains vital. The combination of the £90 million investment in 2021 and the nearly £200 million pledged in 2024 sends a strong signal that the UK is committed to maintaining its competitive edge in aerospace technology and driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.

The 2024 Budget's significant investment in aerospace R&D is not only expected to accelerate innovation but also to stimulate job creation in the sector. As companies embark on ambitious projects, such as developing zero-carbon aircraft engines, they will require a highly skilled workforce, driving demand for engineers, technicians, and researchers. The emphasis on sustainable aviation technologies may also attract a new generation of talent passionate about reducing the environmental impact of air travel. With this budget boost and the industry's ongoing recovery, the UK aerospace manufacturing sector is poised for growth, strengthening its position as a global leader in aerospace innovation.