Airbus' substantial impact on the economic landscape of the United Kingdom detailed in latest study
Airbus, the largest civil aerospace company in the UK, plays a crucial role in the nation's economy, providing substantial employment, tax revenues, investment, and alignment with key national initiatives.
Operating from over 25 sites across the UK, Airbus is one of the country's largest manufacturing employers, offering tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs in design, engineering, manufacturing, and services. This employment not only supports local economies but also generates considerable tax revenues that benefit public finances.
Investment is another area where Airbus shines. In 2020 alone, the company invested £260 million in research and development in the UK. This investment fosters innovation and supports aerospace supply chains, driving growth and providing high-skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and careers.
Airbus' contributions extend beyond direct employment and investment. The company is responsible for around 50% of the UK's civil helicopter fleet and is the biggest civil aerospace exporter from the UK. In 2020, one pound out of every ninety-two earned by UK firms from exported goods were products manufactured by Airbus. This export activity significantly boosts the UK's economy.
The company's supply chain is extensive and innovative, focusing on growth and providing high-skilled jobs. SMEs account for 30% of all Airbus' UK suppliers, with hundreds of small- and medium-sized businesses benefiting from their association with the aerospace giant.
Airbus actively supports the UK government’s Levelling Up plan by maintaining and expanding aerospace jobs and skills outside of London, particularly in regions with strong aerospace clusters. The company's commitment to the net zero agenda is demonstrated through its development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and investment in sustainable aviation technologies, directly contributing to the UK’s environmental goals.
Additionally, Airbus pursues social value activities by engaging with local communities, promoting STEM education, and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Though the specific recent figures on total tax contributions or exact investment amounts were not provided, Airbus’s strategic goals for 2025 and beyond—including production ramp-ups and operational resilience—underscore its continuing strong impact on the UK economy and alignment with government priorities.
Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry, BEIS, has emphasized the positive impact Airbus has had on communities across the UK. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, Airbus remains a significant contributor to the UK's economy, even being Britain's largest space company.
For those interested in learning more about Airbus' contributions to the UK economy, the report outlining these details is available for download. The report highlights Airbus' continued vital role in the UK's economic, societal, and environmental landscape. John Harrison, Group General Counsel and Chairman of Airbus UK, reaffirmed Airbus' commitment to the UK, emphasizing their role in aerospace supply chains, innovation, and community engagement. These benefits reflect broad economic and social benefits consistent with UK government plans.
Airbus' significant investment in research and development, amounting to £260 million in 2020 alone, contributes to the finance sector by fostering innovation in the aerospace industry. Additionally, Airbus is responsible for around 50% of the UK's civil helicopter fleet and is the biggest civil aerospace exporter from the UK, which generates substantial financial returns through export activities.
