We believe that the £2 billion of investment over seven years to create the UK Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), which will be shared equally between the UK Government and industry, is a positive commitment. It must be noted, however, that this figure still only represents a fraction of the total GDP contribution and the global engineering prestige of the aerospace industry.

Having campaigned for many years for the senior policy makers to foresee the true potential of the aerospace (and space) industries, Excellis believes that this joint commitment by the UK government and industry is a definite positive step, subject to effective implementation and follow-through on the agreed commitments.

The formation of the ATI to provide the necessary strategic leadership in technologies for aerodynamics, propulsion, aerostructures and advanced systems, is also an endorsement of our long held conviction that high-value industries such as aerospace require long-term commitment and continuous focus. Only then can the UK succeed in garnering the necessary indigenous expertise, knowledge, innovation skills and highly specialised (yet versatile) human resources across multiple generations; as well as foreign investment.

Going forward, Excellis foresees further opportunities for extending the remit of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) beyond the four priority areas of Technology (includes ATI), Skills and Engagement, Manufacturing Capability, and Supply Chain Competitiveness. We believe that our input would help to further reinforce the strategic agenda outlined in Lifting Off – Implementing the Strategic Vision for UK Aerospace (opens in new window).