FARNBOROUGH AEROSPACE

FAC's Mission: ‘Enabling members to improve their business winning opportunities and capabilities’

WELCOME

The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) is a vibrant trade association that excels in generating business, with a diverse membership base spanning nationally and internationally. Recognized as one of the UK's leading aerospace and defense trade organizations, it provides essential support to around 300 companies located in southern England, the heart of the UK's aerospace sector.


Harnessing its vast experience and expertise, FAC plays an essential role as a bridge between major primes and the supply chain, specifically targeting Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Consortium empowers its members to boost their competitiveness and expand market share through local and international trade, technology transfer and development, the sharing of best practices, training programs, and advocacy on critical national issues impacting the sector.


FAC fully understands the implications and effects of globalization. It is committed to promoting sustainable strategic growth within the aerospace and defense industries, ensuring that the region continues to uphold its excellence on a global scale.


THIS IS FARNBOROUGH

VIDEO

Button

Our Strategy

FAC plays a key role in sustaining the UK aerospace and defence sector by:


  • Positioning as a top trade organization
  • Advocating for the sector's interests
  • Assisting members in securing new business opportunities
  • Creating a collaborative framework for project execution
  • Gaining recognition as a vital channel for investment, especially for SMEs
  • Serving as a pathway for academic and research institutions
  • Being recognized as the primary voice for SMEs in the sector
  • Collaborating to develop skills programs that attract and retain talent
  • Securing funding for membership services and government projects
  • Enhancing communication with the media to elevate industry profiles.



Aerospace in the South & East Region

The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium is a pioneering organization for the regional aerospace industry, reflecting Farnborough's legacy as a hub of aerospace innovation. Our influence extends across southern and eastern UK.


As the first regional aerospace sector group, we are proud of our ties to Farnborough, but our reach includes the broader region. Our mission is to support aerospace and advanced manufacturing, identifying areas for resource investment to stay ahead in industry developments. Our activities include business networking and promoting technological innovation.


Our location near Heathrow and Gatwick airports, along with Farnborough's business-dedicated aviation airport and Southampton International, presents a unique advantage. The region has a rich history, marked by the UK's first sustained powered flight in 1908. It is home to BAE Systems, the UK's largest aerospace company, Flight Safety International's training center, Boeing's collaboration center, and QinetiQ’s technology park. Seven of the top ten global aerospace firms, including EADS and Boeing, are based in the Solent region

Regional Resources


London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports offer significant advantages, alongside Europe’s only business-dedicated airport in Farnborough and Southampton’s international airport.


Farnborough, the site of the UK’s first powered flight in 1908, hosts BAE Systems, the UK’s largest aerospace firm, and Flight Safety International’s Flight Training Centre. It is also home to Boeing’s collaboration center and QinetiQ’s Cody Technology Park, Europe’s largest technology solutions company. Furthermore, seven of the top ten global aerospace firms, including EADS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Finmeccanica, are based in South Hampshire's Solent region.

FAC STATISTICS


Territory:  South East England

Sectors:  Aerospace, Space, Defence, eVTOL

Aerospace Businesses:  3,400

Space Businesses: 120+

Core Members: 150-200

Capabilities: 250+

Affiliate Partners: 35 International Clusters

Aerospace Employment:  23,500

Defence Employment: 53,000

Space Employment:  26,000

Our Aerospace Sector Partners