Airbus Situated in the United Kingdom
**Airbus' UK Operations: A Key Pillar in Global Success**
The United Kingdom plays a pivotal role in Airbus' global operations, contributing significantly to the aerospace giant's commercial aircraft business through a skilled workforce and key manufacturing activities. Airbus UK, a vital component of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, is committed to competitive pay and long-term stability, reflecting its importance within the company.
With operations spanning more than 25 sites across the UK, Airbus' diverse skills, advanced technologies, and unique facilities are spread far and wide, from Aberdeen to Portsmouth. The company's presence in the UK is marked by its leading positions in various sectors, with Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space dominating their respective markets.
The UK's aerospace industry, bolstered by Airbus' presence, generates over £35 billion in annual revenue. Airbus' UK sites, including Broughton, Filton, and Stevenage, contribute significantly to this figure, accounting for over £5.6 billion in local revenues. Moreover, these sites are instrumental in the UK's export performance, contributing over £20 billion in exports annually.
The Broughton site, for instance, is the world's largest commercial aircraft wing-making facility, while the Filton site serves as a centre of excellence for research and technology in autonomous systems. The Stevenage site focuses on the development of military aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Airbus' UK operations employ over 13,000 people directly, with the workforce's expertise supporting aircraft production and innovation crucial to Airbus’ global success. Beyond direct employment, the UK's aerospace industry supports over 120,000 jobs indirectly.
The UK government has pledged £2 billion to support Airbus' UK operations, recognising the industry's importance to the country's economy. This support underscores Airbus' consideration of the UK as an integral partner in advancing the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors.
While detailed UK-specific revenue figures for Airbus are not readily available, Airbus' commercial division reported a strong financial performance in 2024, with pre-tax profits of over €5 billion and a robust order backlog of nearly 9,000 aircraft. This financial health is underpinned by contributions from all its regional operations, including the UK.
In conclusion, the UK contributes significantly through its workforce and sectoral expertise in commercial aircraft manufacturing, underpinning Airbus' strong global revenue and industrial footprint. The UK's role as a manufacturing hub and source of engineering talent is vital to Airbus' ability to maintain production and innovation globally.
Airbus' UK operations, located across more than 25 sites, contribute to the finance sector by generating over £35 billion in annual revenue, with sites like Broughton, Filton, and Stevenage accounting for over £5.6 billion. The skilful workforce and advanced facilities in these sites also make the UK a key player in the aerospace industry, with Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Airbus Defence and Space dominating their respective markets.
