The West Midlands stand at the forefront of the UK’s aviation revolution
September 27, 2024
Following a roundtable meeting with companies across the West Midlands, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recognised the pivotal role the region will play in the upcoming aviation revolution.
Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK CAA, hosted the roundtable on 26 September where he commended the Midlands Aerospace Alliance for its efforts in supporting the safe use of drones in urban areas across the UK. As one of the world’s largest aerospace alliances, the group includes companies from across the region that manufacture a vast array of aircraft parts and provide specialised services to the wider aerospace sector.
“Aviation is changing like never before and the West Midlands can lean on a rich aerospace history to be at the forefront of this new revolution,” Hillier said, speaking at a tour of Collins Aerospace’s Actuation Systems facility in Wolverhampton. The tour highlighted advanced training facilities that incorporate augmented reality technology and offered an opportunity to meet with the apprentices working on next-generation technologies.
In preparation for the expansion of drone use in the UK, the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and Coventry City Council have been supported by the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund through funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) for their work on the Drone Ready Cities project.
The potential for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) is already being realised. A trial for transporting blood samples via drone from Guy’s Hospital in London across the city has received airspace approval.
Andrew Mair, chief executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: “It’s vital that supply chain companies have the opportunity to communicate their priorities and challenges to influential aviation and aerospace stakeholders.”
