Meeting the challenges: growing the aerospace industry while reducing its impact on the environment.
There is a need today, Alan explains, to mitigate emissions and reduce environmental impact as the aerospace industry continues to grow at 4.5% per annum. He stresses the importance of gas turbine technology and engine electrification in meeting this aim.
Backing this up, Neil explains that Airbus also sees electrification and hybrid electricity as effective ways to tackle industry challenges of declining oil resources, emissions and noise. Looking to the future, Ruth highlights the need for increased aircraft power as passengers make new demands on the on-board entertainment infrastructure.
The role of the Government: to what extent are environmental policies driving innovation?
There is a need, Alan explains, for the industry to dictate the research programmes of the future, within a regulatory framework and ambitious targets have already been set through the Flightpath 2050 goals. Ruth predicts that the pace of innovation will accelerate as start-ups begin to enter the industry, while Neil calls for a balance between government support and regulation, explaining that the UK needs targets and legislation.
What does the future look like?
The future looks bright, with investment set to create 95,000 new jobs in the industry, a return of £57 billion for the global economy and an additional £57 billion in terms of spill-over benefit. Commending the valuable work being carried out in new technology and specifically the leading role of Rolls-Royce, Ruth stresses that the next move for the industry must be towards electrification and Artificial Intelligence, with Government, industry and academia working together.
Alan points to the examples of other countries in this area, with Norway claiming that all short-range transport will be electrically powered by 2040. Here in the UK, we need to work with Government and technology partners to achieve this.
With a need for 30,000 additional jobs in aerospace to meet the demands of the global market, the nature of investment is now changing. Neil revealed that in the last five years more private equity has been put into start-ups and innovators in this area than combined spending by Airbus and BAE Systems on research and development. And a growing market calls for a growing workforce with a requirement for 1.8m engineers over the next decade and the drive to attract more women into the industry.
In the face of Brexit, it’s also necessary to continue to support existing European academic programmes, continue to invest in STEM skills and build inspiring future work environments.
Design revolution: aircraft of the future
Aerospace designs of the future will be exciting and visionary, a fact that will further attract smart young minds into the business. It’s time to start blurring the boundaries between aircraft and engine in a way that so far has not been achieved, says Alan, particularly as we move from geared turbofan power into gas and electricity, creating hybrid designs and better environmental solutions. He adds: “The future of aerospace will still be highly regulated – but it should be a lot more collaborative.”
Rolls-Royce Future Technology showcase
The Rolls-Royce Future Technology showcase brought together key players in government, trade, industry and academia to debate the important issues surrounding future technologies and the UK economy.