Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE) Celebrates Midlands Aerospace Growth, Highlights Opportunity for Inclusive Innovation

Lichfield, UK – April 2025 — Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE), a UK-based leader in high-performance rotary propulsion systems, welcomes the release of the March 2025 Midlands Engine Aerospace Cluster report, which highlights the scale, strength, and strategic importance of the Midlands aerospace sector. The report reveals that the region is home to over 524 aerospace firms operating across 595 sites, contributing more than £5.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and supporting upwards of 36,500 jobs.

AIE is proud to be part of this dynamic and innovative ecosystem, which plays a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s global aerospace capabilities. As the report highlights, the Midlands is a world-class cluster of aerospace excellence, home to both global primes and a diverse range of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing to every stage of the supply chain.

While the region received £763 million in aerospace-related R&D investment between 2013 and 2022, the findings also point to an opportunity for more inclusive distribution of funding. A significant number of AS9100-certified SMEs—many of which produce flight-critical components—have not yet benefited from national innovation programmes. AIE believes that unlocking the full potential of this community through more balanced and accessible R&D support will drive deeper collaboration, faster innovation, and stronger global competitiveness for UK aerospace.

“The Midlands is a powerhouse of aerospace innovation,” said Mr Nathan Bailey, Managing Director of AIE. “To maintain our global leadership, we must ensure that investment strategies reflect the full spectrum of talent and capability found across the cluster. A more inclusive funding framework will not only empower SMEs like AIE to continue pushing technological boundaries—it will strengthen the entire UK aerospace value chain.”

As an advanced propulsion innovator, AIE develops compact, high-efficiency rotary engines for UAVs and hybrid-electric applications. With a strong foundation in research, engineering excellence, and sustainable design, AIE continues to play a key role in developing the next generation of aerospace propulsion solutions.

To read the full Midlands Engine Aerospace Cluster report, visit: https://midlandsengine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ME_Aerospace-Cluster_March-2025-1.pdf