The Scottish aerospace industry is a growing sector of the country’s economy – with an annual turnover of £2.1billion – and provides employment for 18,000, a figure that rises to 30,000 if defence is included. There are over 150 aerospace companies in Scotland, which is home to around 10 per cent of the UK industry.
- Air traffic nearly doubled in the ten years from 1991, and 22 million passengers passed through Scotland’s airports in 2005.
- Recent orders have been higher than expected, based on global growth figures.
- There are over 90 university and company research and development departments involved in aerospace and defence-related activity in Scotland.
- Around 500 apprentices are in training in aerospace and defence in Scotland.
- Many of the top 12 global aerospace and defence companies have facilities in Scotland.
- Glasgow is Scotland’s largest airport; Edinburgh is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports; Prestwick is a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre of excellence; and Aberdeen is the world’s busiest heliport.
Facts and figures specific to the following areas of the Scottish aerospace industry illustrate why Scotland is such an attractive location for investment.
Avionics
- There is an established supply chain in electronics, with the capacity and capability to support the avionics sector in Scotland.
- Several recognised global players in the avionics sector operate in Scotland.
Defence
- Defence accounts for about 25 per cent of the Scottish aerospace industry (£524million in 2005.
- Around 20 per cent (3500) of Scottish aerospace industry employees work in defence.
Manufacturing and design
- Aerospace and defence manufacture and design accounted for £618million of sales in 2005.
- Manufacturing and design within the Scottish aerospace industry is shifting towards higher value specialist production and value-added services.
Maintenance, repair and overhaul
- The Scottish aerospace industry is dominated by the highly successful MRO hub around Prestwick International Airport and the west of Scotland.
- Civil MRO in Scotland accounted for 83 per cent of aerospace sales in 2005, with a total of £812million.
Research and development
- £91miilion was invested in aerospace research & development in Scotland in 2005.
- Research & development relevant to the aerospace industry is carried out at 39 companies and 54 university groups in Scotland.
Space
- A ground observatory at Dundee University is used by NASA to track spacecraft during their missions.
- Scotland is a world leader in space thermal battery technology.
Unmanned aerial vehicles
- UK National Aerospace Technology Strategy supports major investment in UAVs.
- Scotland is a world leader in sensor technology, with significant expertise in the military aviation sector.
Composites
- Over 45 companies are presently active in the composite materials supply chain in Scotland.
- The technical textiles market is growing at 5 per cent per annum, presenting significant opportunities for Scottish companies.
Read testimonials from aerospace businesses in Scotland