The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership joined the West of England Combined Authority at the world renowned Paris Airshow, collectively marketing the South West Aerospace sector which is number one in the UK.
There were 2,500 exhibitors representing 64 countries with over 300,000 visitors making their way to Le Bourget to talk to the Traders. Close encounters could be enjoyed with 150 different aircraft which included a glimpse of the near future. Prototypes of urban air mobility (flying taxi’s) electric aircraft, an assortment of drones and hydrogen engines attracted significant attention as the sector seeks to rapidly decarbonise.
There was much interest in Somerset, thanks in most part, to the iAero Centre, which many overseas businesses saw as an ideal base for UK activity. The iAero Centre is a purpose-built research, design and innovation facility in Yeovil, built to support the competitiveness and growth of the aerospace sector and associated supply chains. The Centre offers high-quality office, light industrial and collaboration space as well as innovation support services.
The Department for International Trade has recognised the South West of England as a High Potential Opportunity for the development, demonstration, and adoption of new and emerging aviation technologies. As a world leader in Smart and Sustainable Aviation, the region presents an exceptional opportunity for investors to plug into a leading aviation ecosystem, built on our aerospace heritage.
If you’re interested in learning more about the iAero Centre and/or the Aerospace cluster in Somerset please contact enquiries@investsomerset.co.uk
