Airbus' substantial impact on the British economy underneath the spotlight in latest study
=====================================================================================================================
In the face of the global impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, Airbus, the largest civil aerospace company in the UK, continues to be a vital part of the UK's economic, societal, and environmental landscape. This is evident from the 2021 Airbus UK report, which highlights the company's contributions to the UK's Levelling Up plan, net zero commitments, and social value activities.
Airbus' commitment to the UK is clear, with the company directly supporting a £5.6 billion contribution to UK GDP in 2020. Beyond its own workforce, Airbus supported approximately 86,400 jobs in the UK that year. The company operates from over 25 sites across the country, with a significant presence in regions outside traditional hubs.
The report underscores Airbus' extensive supply chain, which includes hundreds of small- and medium-sized businesses. SMEs account for 30% of all Airbus' UK suppliers, a testament to the company's support for local businesses.
One of Airbus' key strategic approaches in the UK aerospace sector is regional development, aligned with the UK government's Levelling Up goals. The company invests in advanced manufacturing facilities, research, and skills development across various UK regions, helping create high-skilled jobs, enhance local supply chains, and strengthen aerospace clusters.
Airbus is also engaged in developing sustainable aviation technologies, such as hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), to reduce carbon emissions in alignment with net zero targets. Their innovation efforts, often in collaboration with government and industry partners, focus on future aircraft designs and cleaner production methods, contributing to the UK's climate ambitions.
Social value activities are another significant aspect of Airbus' UK strategy. The company emphasizes workforce upskilling, STEM education outreach, and community involvement through social programs enhancing inclusivity, diversity, and wellbeing. This reflects a broader commitment to generating social value alongside economic performance, embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in its UK operations.
Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry, BEIS, has emphasized the positive impact Airbus has had on communities across the UK. John Harrison, Group General Counsel and Chairman of Airbus UK, has stated Airbus' commitment to the UK and its ongoing success. Despite the challenges faced by the aviation sector, Airbus continues to be a significant contributor to the UK's economy.
The 2021 Airbus UK report is available for download, providing further details on the company's contribution to the UK's economy. This summary synthesizes Airbus' known strategic approach in the UK aerospace sector, supported by Airbus' broader ESG commitments revealed in their 2024-25 sustainability statements and innovation activities described in associated aerospace reports.
Technology is integral to Airbus' sustainable aviation initiatives, as the company invests in developing hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels. In addition, Airbus supports hundreds of small- and medium-sized businesses in the UK through its extensive supply chain, demonstrating the company's commitment to leveraging technological advancements to drive growth and innovation.
