Fly away success: while the big players make headline news by developing faster, more fuel-efficient engines and advanced systems, it is all too easy to overlook smaller firms who play a vital role

摘要

THE AEROSPACE industry may seem to be dominated by a few major players, but the sector supports many hundreds of smaller companies, all of whom have to contend with the twin drivers of rapid technological innovation and international competition - which will be reflected at Farhborough (17-23 July). The regional aerospace alliances (see feature, page 41) provide vital services for the SMEs in the sector, helping to connect them to the large civil and military aircraft manufacturers, while also reinforcing links to academia. Paul Lindsay, operations director for the Aerospace Wales alliance, is currently focusing on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the region. 'We've just completed mapping a capabilities matrix for the 160 companies we have in the region, and next we're going to start on a skills matrix covering all the universities and institutes of higher education,' he said.