UK (Commonwealth Union) _ Airbus is set to bolster the UK’s aerospace sector with the creation of over 1,000 new jobs spanning various aerospace-related roles. The company’s expansion plans encompass positions in cyber security, software engineering, project and program management, as well as engineering roles in fields such as cryogenics, manufacturing, and robotics. Airbus’s commitment to workforce expansion comes in conjunction with the release of a comprehensive Airbus/Oxford Economics survey report, which delves into the aerospace and defence giant’s substantial economic impact on the UK. The report underscores Airbus’s significance in terms of jobs, investment, research and development (R&D), supply chain, and sovereign capability. Some key findings from the report include:
– Support for 79,000 jobs throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
– Approximately 50% of Airbus’s UK suppliers are classified as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
– An annual contribution of £7 billion ($8.75 billion) to the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
– A procurement spend of £3.9 billion ($4.88 billion) in the UK each year.
Airbus is deeply embedded in the UK’s aerospace landscape, boasting over 25 sites across the country and holding the titles of the largest civil aerospace company, leading civil aerospace exporter, top space satellite company, and chief supplier of large aircraft to the Royal Air Force. Additionally, Airbus plays a pivotal role in managing approximately 50% of the UK’s civil helicopter fleet.
The Airbus/Oxford Economics survey meticulously examines Airbus’s far-reaching contributions to the UK, particularly in terms of jobs, investments, R&D activities, supply chain operations, and bolstering sovereign capabilities. It spotlights the company’s indispensable position in the broader spectrum of the UK’s industrial manufacturing capabilities, thereby propping up the nation’s economic performance on a grand scale.
John Harrison, General Counsel and UK Chairman of Airbus, expressed his pride in the substantial contribution of Airbus’s nearly 12,000 UK employees, who actively contribute billions of pounds to the UK’s economy. He lauded their multifaceted efforts, spanning from satellite technologies to civil aviation, which connect people worldwide. Furthermore, Harrison acknowledged Airbus’s deep-rooted involvement in the UK supply chain and its extensive investments in the four UK nations, fostering regional and local growth while making an impact at every level.
The survey not only shines a light on Airbus’s overall influence on the UK economy but also underscores its pivotal role in fostering direct and indirect employment across the wider aerospace and defence industry. Airbus’s immense impact, encompassing jobs, investments, R&D initiatives, supply chains, and sovereign capability, positions it as a key player in the UK’s overarching industrial manufacturing framework.
Airbus remains committed to fostering the development of talent, infrastructure, and R&D endeavours. In 2022 alone, the company invested £3.9 billion ($4.88 billion) with UK suppliers, demonstrating its dedication to supporting the economic growth and recovery priorities set by local authorities. Moreover, Airbus earmarked £277 million ($346 million) for R&D in 2022, aligning with the UK Government’s aspiration to become a prominent ‘science and technology superpower.’ This investment represents 5.0% of Airbus’s 2022 revenues, signifying an approximately 8% upsurge in R&D spending compared to 2020 (£235 million/$294 million).
In conclusion, the report illuminates the substantial impact Airbus has on the UK economy and its profound significance. With record spending levels across its various divisions and the creation of new job opportunities in the UK, Airbus is steadfast in its commitment to the country, poised to play a significant role in its economy for years to come.
