News / International
Airbus to build ?37m wing research centre
Airbus is to build a new £37m wing research and testing centre at its base in Filton, safeguarding hundreds of skilled jobs. The Wing Integration Centre will be part-funded by Central Government and serve to develop and test the aerospace technology of the future.
The facility was announced by Chancellor George Osborne and Airbus’ COO Tom Williams during a visit to the site.
“When it comes to aerospace design Britain is the innovator of Europe and I want to see us going even further and becoming the global leader,” said Osborne. “That is why, with Airbus, we are committing £37 million for a new cutting edge research facility right here in the heart of the South West. Not only will the new research centre play home to some of the most exciting innovations in aerospace, for years to come it will also protect hundreds of highly skilled jobs.”
Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Tom Williams said: “It is crucial we take the lead in developing new technology and this facility will help to shape the future of air travel for decades to come. This joint investment is a further boost to the Airbus site at Filton which is the global leader in design and testing of wings, fuel systems, and landing gear.
“The new ‘open access’ facility – capable of housing a full-scale civil airline wing – will also serve as a high-tech innovation space for other companies and sectors, outside of aerospace.”
Opening in 2017, it is estimated that the centre will protect over 900 R&D jobs in the south-west and then up to a further 1500 manufacturing jobs in the longer term.
The £37.2 million funding is being awarded through the aerospace technology funding programme, and is made up of an £18.6 million government investment matched by Airbus to create the new centre. The government has committed to supporting aerospace technologies as part of its economic strategy.
Image courtesy of Airbus.
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