UK booming aerospace industry to expand further off the back of strong global opportunities

Here’s what Santander had to say

• New report from Santander and manufacturing organisation EEF finds outlook for the UK aerospace industry remains bright, with order books backlogged at record levels
• UK industry is hardwired into global supply chain it is now the second-largest aerospace manufacturer in the world, behind the US, and fourth-largest exporter
• Space tourism, demand for air travel in emerging markets such as China, and a focus on passenger luxury are key growth drivers

The UK’s aerospace industry will continue to flourish as a result of the increasing demand globally for high-quality UK manufactured aerospace products according to a new report from Santander and manufacturing organisation EEF. Continued growth in air travel, particularly in emerging economies, as well as demand for hi-tech parts for spacecraft, rockets and satellites is set to fuel growth in the sector.

The UK is the second-largest aerospace manufacturer in the world, behind the US, and fourth-largest aerospace exporter. The industry specialises predominantly in engines and parts of aircraft, which account for 79 per cent of all exports. The sector is highly export-intensive with 53 per cent of Gross Value Added travelling overseas the highest of any UK manufacturing sector – worth £28.4 bn in 2016. Eight out of 10 of the UK’s top export markets are located outside of the EU, with the US the UK’s top market (worth £5.8bn in 2016). It employs 107,000 people in the UK and is made up of around 2,400 separate businesses (up four-fold since 2008).

Paul Brooks, head of business development manufacturing, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “The UK’s aerospace industry has thrived off the back of its competitive advantage in the production of high-value added technology-intensive products, and we forecast that this will continue given that the UK is hardwired into the global supply chain. Since 2002, the UK industry has more than doubled overseas sales from £13.2bn to £28.3bn, an increase of 114 per cent.”

George Nikolaidis, senior economist at EEF said: “The aerospace sector highlights another great UK manufacturing success story. By staying at the forefront of cutting edge technologies, aerospace manufacturers have managed to retain a high share of the global market despite fundamental changes in international value chains. There are risks ahead no doubt but the sector looks well positioned to harness these challenges and remain a key player in the global aerospace industry going forward.”

Over the next 15-20 years, emerging markets represent the greatest source of growth for the UK aerospace industry and none more so than China. Rising incomes, a growing middle class and reduced visa requirements have resulted in air passenger numbers rising from 67 m in 2000 to 320 m in 2016 (a 378 per cent increase). The IATA forecasts that China will displace the US as the world’s largest aviation market (defined by traffic to, from and within the country) by 2024.

Along with increased spend on global air travel, some of the additional key industry trends benefiting the UK are, as identified in the Santander/ EEF report:

Factory of the future/ 3D printing

New designs and equipment are evolving at a rapid pace in the digital age, bringing with them improvements in performance, productivity and safety. The UK’s established, world-class leadership in design and innovation will be central to growth.

Use of composites

Over the coming decade, the use of composite materials in aircraft manufacturing is expected to rise significantly. The global composite materials market is expected to reach c. £27bn by 2024.

Space tourism

Space tourism is a new, highly sought after sector globally. In the UK, this is underpinned by the government’s ambitions for the UK to capture a greater share of the market, worth an estimated £25bn over the next 20 years. 

Brooks from Santander added: “Another major trend is the demand for luxury goods and experiences. We expect air passengers will experience a transformed flying experience over the coming decade as advances in technology are implemented into new aircraft, improving passenger comfort and safety. The good news is that UK is at the centre of this market.”