The Aviation Valley (Dolina Lotnicza) is a significant aviation cluster located in southeastern Poland, renowned for its concentration of aerospace industry companies, scientific and research centres, and educational and training facilities. Founded in 2003, the non-profit Aviation Valley Association aims to foster the development and growth of the aerospace industry in this region.

Based on the most recent data available in the sources:

• The Aviation Valley Association currently represents 194 companies. This figure is stated as of 2023.
• The entities within the Aviation Valley cluster employ approximately 35,000 staff. This statistic is also reported as of 2023. For context, the broader Polish aviation industry employed over 32,000 people in 2022, with a figure possibly updated to 32,000 employees for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in 2024 according to one source. However, the 35,000 figure is specifically linked to the Aviation Valley members as of 2023.
• Sales for the Aviation Valley are reported as $3.5 billion as of 2023. For the broader Polish aerospace sector, export values significantly increased between 2021 and 2023, reaching EUR 5.17 billion in 2023.

The Polish aviation industry as a whole is highlighted in the November 2024 EY report as a sector of strategic importance, generating significant benefits for the economy through job creation, contribution to value added, and fiscal effects. The industry comprises over 100 companies integrated into global value chains, employing a skilled and experienced workforce with high percentages of university graduates and vocational training. R&D is a key focus, with entities actively participating in projects and maintaining specialised facilities.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), has been actively strengthening its connections with the Aviation Valley Cluster. This relationship was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2022.

To build upon this agreement and further links, the FAC organised and carried out a mission to Poland in October 2024. The delegation included representatives from FAC member companies and UK local councils. During this visit, the FAC delegation engaged with key figures in the Polish aerospace industry, including the mayor of Rzeszów and senior management from companies like McBraida and MTU. The programme involved presentations, networking, and one-to-one business meetings, with support from a British representative from the Department of Business and Trade.

The trip was described as "extremely good" and successful in generating business opportunities and leads. Both UK and Polish participants expressed enthusiasm for the future of relations in the sector. Following the success of the 2024 mission, numerous follow-up actions have been initiated, and FAC is planning a larger and longer visit for the following year, involving more members. The potential for FAC members and Aviation Valley Cluster members to engage in business together is considered "huge". The events of the two years preceding May 2025 had already increased the rationale for seeking mutual cooperation.

This growing connection between the UK's South East aerospace sector, represented by FAC, and Poland's Aviation Valley aligns with the broader context of the Polish industry's integration into global markets and its drive to enhance its position in future technologies and value chains. The EY report notes that major international players are crucial to the Polish industry's structure and revenue generation, and that securing international partnerships and participating in joint R&D projects are key strategies for growth and building competence, particularly for SMEs. The UK is also identified as one of Poland's main aerospace export destinations. Such collaborations are seen as vital for advancing the Polish industry's position in the long term.