The aerospace industry: statistics and policy

This note analyses key statistics and presents details of how the United Kingdom Government policy supports the aerospace industry.

Further information

The UK aerospace sector had a turnover of £31 billion in 2016. It employs 95,000 people, with the greatest number of jobs in the South West and the East Midlands. Nearly 90% of what the sector produces is exported.

The UK has some major companies in the global aerospace sector, with both BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce featuring in the global top ten companies by revenue. Further afield, Boeing (United States) and Airbus (Europe) are the largest companies in the sector globally.

The outlook for the industry as a whole is generally positive, with recent growth in output expected to continue as demand for aircraft increases around the world. The UK industry has a strong pipeline of work, and trade bodies are reporting optimism in manufacturers.

However, some observers were predicting that Brexit would have a negative impact on the aerospace sector, with particular impact being felt in industry confidence and international cooperation. That said, some people had suggested that parts of the sector may benefit from less regulation.