Airbus invests in next-generation wing technology

Intended to fund the development of technologies needed for the next generation of the single-aisle aircraft, the investment is of note to the south west of England due to the high levels of aerospace research that take place in the region.

South-west England is already home to much of the research and technology for the aerospace industry and today's announcement sees a strengthening of this position

Nick Buckland

Board member

South West RDA

Nick Buckland, board member of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), commented: "South west England is already home to much of the research and technology for the aerospace industry and today's announcement sees a strengthening of this position.

He also cited companies such as Airbus, GE Aviation and Messier Dowty as leading firms based in the south west and noted that the area's skilled workforce has allowed it to built one of the world's strongest concentrations of aerospace companies.

The investment package will be used to develop elements of Next Generation Composite Wing (NGCW) technology, including advanced materials, systems integration and aerodynamics.

It will also ensure that the Airbus wing manufacturing plant at Broughton in Wales, which employs around 7,000 people, will remain at the cutting-edge of wing design and manufacturing.

According to the Technology Strategy Board, which is contributing £25 million to the investment package, the development of NGCW will help maintain the UK's position as a key innovator in the aerospace field.