Recognised as a major growth accelerator, the aviation industry underpins expansion in other sectors, such as financial and professional services and knowledge industries. Manchester, at the heart of the UK’s road and rail network and ranked 1st in the country (outside London) for international and internal transport links*, forms the core of the city region’s aviation and aerospace sectors.
Ideally located, Manchester is only two hours from London and has access to deep sea ports, international rail and air freight hubs. The excellent connectivity means that companies located within the region have direct access to UK, Europe and worldwide markets.
The strength of the sector has resulted in the emergence of specialist programmes aiming to facilitate knowledge transfer between the industry and institutions, for example:
Northern Aerospace Technology Exploitation Centre (NATEC). Based at Manchester Science Park, NATEC is an alliance between northern universities and the aerospace industry. It aims to provide access to technology solutions by utilising research activities. Working with leading academics and the latest equipment, NATEC assists in building a highly skilled workforce and develops new products and technology.
Manchester University Aerospace Research Institute. MUARI sustains applied research to maintain and enhance the UK’s position in the global aerospace market. Bringing together more than 60 academics to tackle the multidisciplinary challenges faced by the industry, and 3rd largest Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC) research income in the aerospace sector, it counts amongst its key strengths:
· Advanced Materials & Structures;
· Aerodynamics & Flight Systems;
· Advanced Electrical & Electronic;
· Flight Safety, Security & the Environment; and
· Synthetic Environments & Autonomous Systems.
* Cushman & Wakefield’s UK Cities Monitor, 2006
To find out more about the aviation and aeropspace industry in the Manchester City Region, please contact:
Andrew Young, Business Development Manager
andrew.young@midas.org.uk
Aviation Brochure
