Farnborough Aerospace Consortium

An Introduction by Alan Fisher, FAC CEO

Southeast England is a crucial hub for the UK’s aerospace industry, especially when considering world events in 2025. It is indeed vital in fostering innovation, research, and development within aerospace, space, and defence.

The area’s long established commitment to advanced technology and its accessibility to significant infrastructure position it as an attractive venue for aerospace enterprises.

This advantageous environment has fostered a dynamic ecosystem that comprises not only leading industry giants like Airbus, BAE Systems, Qinetiq, Safran, and Gulfstream but also a thriving network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that enhance the overall vitality and competitiveness of the UK’s aerospace landscape.

Initiatives such as the government’s Aerospace Sector Deal, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme, and the newly inaugurated Aerospace Technology Institute SME Programme have been established to bolster innovation throughout the UK, particularly in the southeast, ensuring the region plays a vital role in the sector’s expansion and global prominence.

Farnborough occupies a prestigious place in the aerospace field, being the host of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), the premier event that unites the most innovative and influential representatives from the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors. This airshow serves as an international platform for companies to present their latest advancements and engage in transformative collaborations and partnerships.

Farnborough’s influence therefore goes well beyond the airshow; it stands as a centre for aerospace research and development, housing numerous companies and institutions committed to enhancing the UK’s reputation as a leader in aerospace innovation. The town’s historical significance as the “birthplace of aviation” and its continued contributions render it a symbolic and strategically vital location for the growth and evolution of the aerospace industry.

Regional Resources

The proximity of London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports is a significant advantage, complemented by Europe’s sole business-dedicated aviation airport in Farnborough and the international airport in Southampton.

The region boasts a rich heritage, tracing back to the UK’s first sustained powered flight at Farnborough in 1908. Today, Farnborough is the home of the national headquarters of BAE Systems, the UK’s largest aerospace company, as well as the Flight Training Centre of US firm Flight Safety International, Boeing’s advanced network-enabled center for collaboration and innovation, and QinetiQ’s Cody Technology Park, recognized as Europe’s largest science and technology solutions company. Additionally, seven of the top ten global aerospace firms, including EADS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Finmeccanica, have established a presence in the Solent region of South Hampshire.

Aerospace in the South & East Region

The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium proudly stands as the pioneering organization for the regional aerospace industry. Our name reflects the legacy of Farnborough, a globally recognized hub of aerospace innovation. However, our influence transcends Farnborough, encompassing the entirety of the southern and eastern regions of the UK.

As the inaugural regional aerospace sector group ever formed, we take pride in our association with Farnborough, the celebrated center of aerospace advancement. Notably, our reach extends beyond this city, covering the entire south and east of the UK.

Our mission is to provide strong support to the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors in our region. To achieve this goal, we are consistently assessing where our assistance is most needed and pinpointing areas for resource investment—ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry developments. Our activities span a wide range, including facilitating business networking and promoting technological innovation through digital transformation.

Proximity to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports is a significant advantage, complemented by Europe's only business-dedicated aviation airport at Farnborough and the international airport of Southampton.

The region boasts a rich history, dating back to the UK’s first sustained powered flight conducted in Farnborough in 1908. Today, it is home to the national headquarters of BAE Systems, the UK's largest aerospace company, as well as the Flight Training Centre of US firm Flight Safety International, Boeing’s cutting-edge collaboration and experimentation center, and QinetiQ’s Cody Technology Park, which represents Europe’s leading science and technology solutions provider. Notably, seven of the top ten global aerospace firms—including EADS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Finmeccanica—have established a presence in the Solent region of south Hampshire.

In addition to aerospace, defense plays a vital role in the area, with Portsmouth Naval Base housing nearly two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface vessels. The Solent Enterprise Zone at Daedalus is dedicated to advanced manufacturing, specifically within the marine, aerospace, and aviation sectors.

The supply chain flourishes thanks to a dynamic sub-sector ecosystem, with Hamble Aerostructures leading the field in aerostructures. The VT Group and Lockheed Martin excel in defense systems, while Roke Manor Research specializes in unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, Serco possesses essential expertise in homeland security, EADS Astrium is a key supplier of European military satellites, and BAA’s Southampton Airport along with UK air traffic management company NATS play significant roles in the airport and airline services sector.