Aerospace and Advanced Engineering

Aerospace and engineering in Cornwall With global leaders including Lockheed Martin, Babcock Defence, AgustaWestland and Serco all operating within Cornwall, the area has become home to an internationally renowned aerospace cluster – as well as an impressive array of businesses.

Find out about Aerospace opportunities at Newquay Cornwall Airport

With more than 900 aerospace supply-chain companies operating across the South West, the region is a European leader. Cornwall’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast, coupled with the presence of the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose near Helston and the opening of Newquay Cornwall Airport, have made it a particularly popular choice for aerospace companies.

There is considerable scope for development too. EU funding is available to support business investment at Newquay Cornwall Airport and over 325 hectares of land have been earmarked for commercial use. The airport has one of the longest runways in the UK (2745m) and uses state of the art Air Traffic Control systems. It is also committed to becoming the UK’s first low carbon airport, harnessing renewable energy – another Cornish growth sector.

With a long-term military presence, the area has an established skills base to offer aerospace businesses, including both engineers and air crew.

Similar skills are required by a wide range of advanced engineering companies with operations in the county. For example, Cornwall is home to the world’s largest manufacturer of peristaltic pumping systems – used in cosmetics, waste treatment and brewing – as well as businesses in precision metal-working, motor control technology and much more. It’s a range of skills and innovation in keeping with the region’s heritage as one of the driving forces behind the UK’s industrial revolution.

At a Glance

  • Approx 20% of Cornwall’s workforce employed in engineering and manufacturing
  • Growing aerospace clusters based around RNAS Culdrose and Newquay Cornwall Airport – part of South West England’s aerospace success story
  • EU funding and over 325 ha land available for business investment around Newquay Airport
  • Dedicated business support networks for the aerospace sector

Related Links

Opportunities at Newquay Cornwall Airport

Find out about specific opportunities in the Aerospace industry in Cornwall - download our Aerospace brochure

Cornwall Aerospace and Defence Initiative (CADI) is a strategic partnership linking industry, local community, university, aerospace and defence sector interests.

It is closely linked to the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF).

 

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