Government invests in low emissions aircraft technology

 
The Airbus A350 XWB programme is developing long-range jetliners that will carry between 270 and 350 passengers. Airbus president and ceo Tom Enders calls the A350 XWB “the most eco-efficient aircraft in its market segment” and the company promises to deliver improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise levels during departure, cruise and arrival. Advanced manufacturing based on increased use of composite materials in wing construction makes the A350 XWB significantly lighter than its competitors. This creates the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 per cent, placing the A350 XWB programme firmly within the remit of the UK Government’s low-carbon agenda.

The Airbus A350 XWB programme is being supported by four partner nations – the UK, France, Germany and Spain. The UK funding, announced by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Lord Mandelson, although lower than some industry insiders had expected, ensures the UK will continue to play a role in the development of the A350 XWB. The move is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs at Airbus’ two UK manufacturing plants as well as over 5,000 jobs within the aircraft supply chain across the UK. Airbus has already sold close to 500 of the new aircraft to more than 30 customers.

Highlighting aerospace as one of UK manufacturing’s “crown jewels” and a sector that provides high-quality, highly skilled employment as well as stimulating innovation across British industry, Lord Mandelson said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is world-class and capable of competing successfully with companies across the world. We recognise the vital role Airbus, and its supply chain, play in the UK.”
 
Meanwhile, chief executive of The Society of British Aerospace Companies, Ian Godden, welcomed the funding announcement, saying the A350 XWB programme was extremely important for the future of the domestic industry. “The significant technological advances of the composite materials being used means that the importance of the A350 programme in developing the skills and technology for the future sustainability of the UK aerospace industry cannot be exaggerated,” he said.