Aircraft

Airbus's UK division is spearheading a three-year development programme to improve wing manufacturing processes, particularly with composite technology, to protect the country's aeronautical industry.

The Next Generation Composite Wing is a £103 million ($200 million) scheme that features 16 other companies including Bombardier Aerospace, GE Aviation, Goodrich, GKN, Messier-Dowty and Spirit AeroSystems. Speaking to Flight International at an event in London to detail the programme, UK Secretary of State for Innovation John Denham said the programme was "absolutely central" to positioning the UK as a centre of aerospace innovation.

Airbus executive vice-president for programmes Tom Williams told Flight International he thought the UK had "some ground to make up" against other countries - not just in Europe, but in Asia and North America - to ensure it could stay competitive in composite manufacturing. He said the programme will concentrate on developing efficient manufacturing processes for available composites rather than developing "new science and new materials".

The government-supported, business-led Technology Strategy Board is contributing £25 million to the programme. Another £26 million will come from regional development agencies. Airbus and the other industrial partners will provide the other £52 million.