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The two-day event marked a decade of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and its fifth annual conference. This year’s focus was on the next generation of ultra-efficient zero carbon technologies and reaching #DestinationZero.
Not surprisingly when attendees were questioned on the ambition of meeting the Net Zero target by 2050; the majority remained neutral implying a “quietly optimistic” attitude.
Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State at both the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade, via video message, delivered words of encouragement on industry’s role at the event in supporting the growth of the aerospace sector.
She said: “I think we must be ambitious. We have to be agile; we have to really push the boundaries. And I see a role for you in pushing us as government to make sure you deliver the best you possibly can. In terms of support from government, [we need to make] sure that the regulatory regime is breaking down barriers… so we really do grow as a sector.”
Despite the rain outside the ICC in Newport, Wales, there were bursts of positivity shining throughout the conference on opportunities for UK growth and support to SMEs.
There are eight out of ten aerospace and defence companies now based in Wales, with Rolls-Royce now joining the fold too. The company announced in March that it was opening a satellite office in Cardiff, which will focus on its submarines business. John Whalley of the Aerospace Wales Forum commented on the country being open for collaboration and “open to engage with all regions”.
The Technology Leaders session, which included representation from Airbus, Safran, Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia & GKN Aerospace, focussed on challenges and opportunities in aviation development; diversity in propulsion technologies; certification and the de-risking of technologies; the role of the regulators and collaboration; upskilling and working with academia; ensuring the inclusion of small companies; and the future fuel debate.
Discussion took place on current aviation development paths towards Net Zero 2050 in comparison with previous technology development cycles. Eric Dalbiès, CTO of Safran, emphasised the importance of remaining focussed on the present strategy and its enactment.
He commented: “The fact that we [industry] have not moved much from the trajectory [towards Net Zero] – I consider this good news. It means that we have a strategy, and we are sticking to it. Now we are on course to execute this strategy in research and technology development not yet in product development.”
Recognising the time remaining until 2050, Eric noted that industry is approaching a tipping point. By the end of this decade, aircraft manufacturers will need to make critical decisions on the launch of the next generation of aircraft. Manufacturers will need to evaluate the technologies explored over the past five years ensuring that they meet expected performance standards.
Alan Newby, Director R&T at Rolls-Royce, discussed aviation opportunities related to aircraft integration, highlighting that this encompasses much more than just aerodynamics; it also includes structural aspects and electrification.
He spoke further on the importance of designing through life sustainability and the role of the supply chain in supporting high aircraft rate performance.
Alan said: “We’ve got to make sure we design the supply chain and the product at the same time so we can deliver.”
The focus of the discussion then turned to the importance of upskilling across industry, regulators, and academia. Academia was emphasised to ensure a knowledgeable workforce. However, it was stressed that industry must ensure that SMEs are not left behind in the rapid learning process. The ATI’s SME programme was highlighted as a positive forum for engagement to keep companies updated and involved throughout the process.
Alan added: “[Rolls-Royce] is looking at the volumes and where capability is going to be. We are looking at the ramp-up too because tomorrow’s supply chain isn’t the same as today’s.”
WEAF also attended ATI’s Market Outlook session led by the organisation’s strategy team and headed up by Lewis Cronin.
Lewis stressed the current challenges in the aerospace sector. This included supply chain constraints and in, turn, the pressure on suppliers. It is commonly understood that the stress on the global supply chain is related to current conflicts and as WEAF recently reported within its latest CEO Update the strikes at Boeing.
Lewis laid out the impact of structural challenges within the UK, particularly high energy prices and the lack of mid-sized companies in the supply chain.
Attendees raised that primes should become more efficient, competitive, and risk-averse to support smaller companies, which consequently will help pressures on the market.
Looking towards the US, which has a large and well-established private equity market, Lewis sees this area of financing as an opportunity to support UK aerospace and defence SMEs by “helping them to innovate and consolidate”. Do you think that private equity is a viable solution to encourage a more competitive and efficient supply chain in the UK?
The ATI Conference covered many key issues facing the aerospace industry from R&D exploitation to challenges facing the supply chain today and the future supply chain.
WEAF was pleased to attend the event and engaged with multiple stakeholders by championing the South West of England and its world class supply chain.
WEAF can support your company on its growth journey through the ATI SME programme or the Somerset Innovation Network. Please do contact us directly to learn more: enquiries@weaf.co.uk
About WEAF:
WEAF is the trade association for all companies operating in the Aerospace & Defence sector in the South West.
As one of the largest aerospace and advanced engineering clusters in Europe, we can provide a strong voice for our members, as well as representation and access to prominent regional, national and international decision makers in industry and government.
By providing support and new opportunities for our members, we strive to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain and bring stakeholders together to create one cohesive community.