UK Government supports Airbus A350XWB development

The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement by Lord Mandelson at Airbus in Filton that the Government is to support the UK's involvement in the Airbus A350XWB programme.

Ian Godden, SBAC Chief Executive, said:

"The announcement by Lord Mandelson is very welcome. The Airbus A350 XWB is an extremely important programme for the future of the UK aerospace industry and this investment secures vital work across the sector.

"Over 5,000 jobs are created or supported across the UK supply chain by the A350 programme. The significant technological advances of the composite materials being used means that the importance of the A350 programme in developing the skills and technology for the future sustainability of the UK aerospace industry cannot be exaggerated. Future civil programmes over the next twenty years are estimated to be worth over US$2.6 trillion and the UK must be in pole position to secure a significant proportion of this business. Today's announcement is a significant step towards achieving this position.

"UK civil aerospace has worked hard to achieve a 17 per cent market share and Airbus is a vital, major contributor to that. This announcement recognises that fact and is a welcome reminder of the Government's commitment to high-value, advanced design and manufacturing."

Source : SBAC