Industry leaders hail 10-year anniversary of Aerospace Technology Institute

A government minister joined other aerospace industry leaders to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) in Bedford, which drives sustainable aviation research across the country.

The last decade has seen £3.6 billion of government and industry funding allocated to over 400 R&D projects, which in turn has supported thousands of jobs.

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Alan Mak, industry minister, who attended the event, said: "Our world-class aerospace sector is a British success story, with government and industry coming together to provide billions of pounds in unprecedented support to help us lead the way on cleaner, greener air travel.

"Over the last decade the ATI has been crucial to this, helping our aerospace industry soar to new heights and supporting thousands of jobs while continuing to grow our economy."

The Spring budget saw £200 million of joint government and industry aerospace funding announced for R&D projects, following the government's £975 million pledge over five years from 2025 for the ATI programme announced in last year's Autumn statement.

Successes of the ATI programme have included the Rolls-Royce UltraFan demonstrator aero engine technology ground demonstrator and also the engineering giant's world-speed record for electric aircraft.

There has also been the Airbus-led 'Wing of Tomorrow' programme - the next generation of carbon composite aircraft wings.

SMEs such as ZeroAvia and Cranfield Aerospace are also advancing new generation zero emission aircraft and propulsion systems, while there has been investment in research facilities from labs in Oxford and Cambridge to the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology in Loughborough.

"The ATI is a fundamental part of keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace innovation and technology," said Rolls-Royce group director of engineering, technology and safety Simon Burr.

Russ Dunn, chief technology officer at GKN Aerospace, added: "The Aerospace Technology Institute is the crown jewel of the UK’s aerospace ecosystem.

"It represents the best of collaboration between Industry and Government and continues to demonstrate the UK’s ability to create the most innovative and impactful aerospace technology."