The country of Wales is a constituent part of the United Kingdom (UK) and has a population of almost 3 million.
Wales has developed a dynamic business culture embracing and supporting the ambitious entrepreneur through to some
of the world's largest multinationals. A land rich in advanced technologies, modern skills and opportunity, Wales
is a confident, forward thinking nation, with a knowledge-based workforce committed to maintaining a world class
business environment.
Six of the world's top ten companies have a presence in Wales - EADS, BAE Systems, Raytheon, General Dynamics,
General Electric and Finmeccanica. Other leading companies such as Boeing, Thales and Rolls-Royce are also
developing research and project links.
There are two clusters, one centred on the Airbus wing plant at Broughton in North Wales and the other, military
and civil MRO, centred on Cardiff Airport.
Composite wings and NDT Level III support.
The launch of the A350 jetliner will further bolster prospects for Airbus UK's Broughton plant, as does the
production phase for the larger A380. The composite A350 wings will require a broad UK supply chain that can
deliver key aircraft composite components. As part of the move towards the new materials, TWI has already received
funding to establish a non-destructive testing facility at Port Talbot as part of the National Composites Network.
TWI NDT Validation Centre (Wales)is funded for the development of advanced inspection technologies, research into
applications of conventional and novel inspection methods, and practical NDT inspection work. NDT consultancy
services, such as Level III support, trouble-shooting, advice on applications and procedure development/approval
are also available from the Centre. Today's work is main airframe support, engine support and main component
manufacturer support. Tomorrow's work will extend this to rotorcraft support and a greater range of supplier
companies, particularly the growing sensor market.
Aircraft MRO
British Airways, GE Aviation, Nordam Europe, Raytheon Aircraft Services, NWMAS, Babcock International, Total
Engine Support and DSG (Defence Support Group - formerly DARA) all perform aircraft MRO in Wales. Facilities exist
at a range of locations including Broughton, Cardiff International Airport and RAF Valley.
In the west of Wales, Parc Aberporth is establishing itself as a centre of excellence for the testing and
development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Parc recently hosted its annual exhibition and flying display
which now attracts participants from all over the world. Selex has now taken space at the facility which is
expected to be a key testing location for new programmes such as the UK's technology demonstrator ASTRAEA
(Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation & Assessment). The Welsh Assembly Government is
investing over £3m in the demonstrator which is a major element of the UK National Aerospace Technology
Strategy.
Aircraft MRO training
Universities and colleges in Wales with an aerospace related offering are linking together to provide a combined
offering of engineering expertise and technical training. The academic resources are supplemented by a Technium
Network established to provide additional R&D and business incubation capacity in areas such as Software,
Optoelectronics and Performance Engineering. Economic Renewal: a new direction, a vision of creating the best
conditions to enable the private sector to grow and create jobs, tackling wide systemic issues within the Welsh
economy, a focus on investing in infrastructure, research & development and improving the conditions within
which businesses operate, these were the stated objectives of the Welsh Assembly.
ADS Group Ltd., a partner
The Aerospace Wales Forum, in partnership with the UK's trade body ADS provides a focal point for all elements
of the UK Aerospace programme. A|D|S is the trade organisation advancing the UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and
Space industries. Farnborough International Limited (FIL), which runs the Farnborough International Airshow, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary.
A|D|S has offices in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France and India with new offices planned in China and
the Middle East. A|D|S was formed from the merger of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers
(APPSS), the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) in
October 2009. A|D|S also encompasses the British Aviation Group (BAG).
Together with its regional partners like Aerospace Wales Forum, A|D|S represents over 2,600 companies.
The UK aerospace supply chain is seen as vital to maintaining the UK's leading role in aerospace. SC21 (Supply
Chain for the 21st Century) is currently being developed.
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