Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The Welsh delegation that participated in the June edition of the Paris Air Show has achieved remarkable success, securing over £1 million in new business and identifying additional opportunities worth more than £3.6 million. This significant achievement was unveiled today by Vaughan Gething, the Economy Minister.
Renowned as the world’s largest aerospace event, the Paris Air Show attracted an impressive attendance of 2,400 exhibitors hailing from 49 different countries, drawing in 139,000 trade visitors representing 185 countries.
Wales stands as a recognized hub for aerospace manufacturing and MRO activities (maintenance, repair, and overhaul). With more than 160 enterprises dispersed across the country, employing over 23,000 individuals, Wales constitutes a crucial part of the UK’s aerospace sector, accounting for 10% of its overall industry.
In the latest iteration of the show, Vaughan Gething, the Economy Minister, spearheaded a delegation that included seven companies and universities based in Wales, in addition to Cardiff Airport and Aerospace Wales.
The Welsh Government pavilion at the Paris Air Show provided a platform for these companies to showcase their products and services to potential buyers, thereby facilitating the promotion of Wales’ aerospace and space capabilities to a global audience.
Among the noteworthy successes at the event, Metrology Engineering Services (MES), established in April 2023 with support from the Welsh Government, emerged as a standout performer. Located in Bro Tathan, the firm has is speciality in reverse engineering, 3D laser scanning, damage assessment, and quality inspection.
Over the course of the Paris Air Show, MES managed to secure contracts totaling approximately £450,000. These newly established connections are paving the way for future deals, supplementing the export contracts MES had already secured before the event. These recent agreements are expected to contribute significantly to the company’s continued growth.
“The Welsh Government is committed to helping Welsh companies grow and thrive, supporting them to create new jobs in the industries of the future, “said the Economy Minister.
