Aerospace companies in the West of England are preparing for a significant uplift following a £250 million funding boost aimed at advancing green flight technologies. This move, supported by both government and industry, will fuel the development of next-generation zero-emission aircraft, with key players like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and GKN Aerospace leading the charge.
Simultaneously, the sector is celebrating the removal of a 10% US tariff on UK-made engines and aircraft parts, a trade barrier that has long constrained export growth. This tariff elimination is expected to ease trading conditions, enhancing competitiveness and supporting jobs regionally.
Helen Godwin, the newly appointed Mayor of the West of England, hailed the announcement as a win for the local economy, emphasizing the importance of aerospace and advanced manufacturing in the region. She remarked, “Our aerospace heritage, from Concorde to sustainable engineering today, underpins not only economic growth but our commitment to lowering emissions.”
READ MORE: More Limited Roadworks Planned to Complete Celebration Mile in Bridgwater Town Centre
READ MORE: Glastonbury 2025: Your Guide to Free Phone Charging at the Festival
The funding will support various pioneering projects that push the boundaries of sustainable aviation, reinforcing the region’s role at the forefront of green aerospace innovation.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the swift delivery of this trade agreement with the US, saying, “This deal protects jobs and livelihoods in vital sectors. We are committed to lowering costs, improving delivery times, and guiding businesses through global uncertainties.”
Industry Minister Sarah Jones added, “This investment is a clear commitment to keeping aerospace innovation thriving, helping to achieve economic growth and the net zero 2030 targets. It complements the upcoming Industrial Strategy that aims to expand advanced manufacturing and defence industries, creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.”
This green aerospace initiative forms a crucial part of the UK’s broader strategy to cement its leadership in sustainable aviation and strengthens important regional economies, like that of the West of England, where aerospace and supply chain jobs total tens of thousands.