This month, the group tasked by the UK government to devise a 20-year strategic road map for the country's aerospace industry completes its first phase. In 2003, the Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team published its recommendations on how to improve the competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry by 2022. One year on, various working groups are reporting on their progress. One scheme is for a "directory of learning", launched by the SBAC in May to share best practices throughout the industry. The directory will "capture the lessons" on "value chain management" in reducing waste and creating value from three pilot projects: Smiths Aerospace's fuel system for the Airbus A320; development of the Meteor missile fin actuation system by Claverham and MBDA; and BAE's Tornado tactical datalink upgrade. Other projects address the need for better training and encouraging young people into the industry.
Source: Flight International
