A new aerospace headquarters that will help allocate £2bn of funding to research and technology projects across the country has opened today.
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), located at Cranfield in Bedfordshire, was unveiled as part of the government’s commitment to carrying out its Industrial Strategy.
Business minister Michael Fallon hailed the initiative at the official opening of the ATI headquarters in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, which aims to keep the UK at the forefront of the global aerospace sector.
Gary Elliott, former CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, has been appointed as chief executive of the ATI, which will oversee the country’s technology strategy for the next generation of quieter, more efficient energy aircraft.
Mr Fallon also visited the Aircraft Research Association in nearby Bedford, which is set to benefit from £2m of ATI funding to enhance wind tunnel research and testing capabilities aimed at increasing passenger comfort and lowering turbulence impact.
“The UK has the number 1 aerospace industry in Europe. I want to make sure we keep it that way,” said Mr Fallon.
“This headquarters at Cranfield is 1 of many new projects supported by Aerospace Technology Institute funding. By supporting partnerships between companies and universities across the UK, we are building the high-grade skills and technologies that will drive sustained growth.”
He added: “The government’s Industrial Strategy will give the industry the long-term certainty it needs to stay competitive and create jobs, and will ensure the UK remains 1 of the world’s most attractive locations for aerospace manufacturing.”
