ATI sets out five priorities to secure UK aerospace assembly work
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has published a Market Spotlight on how the UK can build on its aerospace assembly strengths to win future manufacturing workshare, high-value jobs and long-term industrial capability. It was published on 12 November 2026.
The size of the opportunity
Assembly accounts for up to 35% of the cost of producing an aircraft. The global aerospace assembly market is forecast to grow from $37 billion in 2025 to $65 billion by 2035.
ATI estimates the addressable UK assembly market for future ultra-efficient platforms could reach $4.75 billion by 2035 and $8.65 billion by 2050. The 2050 figure represents more than 21% of the potential 2050 UK sector value identified in ATI's Engineering Growth technology strategy.
Existing UK strengths
- Almost all commercial Airbus wings, built at Broughton and Belfast
- Large commercial engines for widebody aircraft at Rolls-Royce in Derby
- Safran landing gear in Gloucester and Northern Ireland
Competition and rate demands
ATI warns that international competition for future aircraft manufacturing is increasing and that UK work on the next generation of aircraft is not guaranteed. Success depends on competing for wing and engine assembly on those aircraft and on building the supply chain capability to support them.
Production rates for next generation single-aisle aircraft are expected to exceed what legacy, manually intensive processes can deliver economically. Advanced assembly technologies will need to be integrated and proven at scale before new programmes enter production. The UK will need scalable, integrated and digitally connected assembly systems that deliver the required rate, quality and cost.
Five priorities
The Market Spotlight identifies five priorities for coordinated industry action and investment. Two are set out in the material available:
- Demonstrating readiness: de-risking the assembly of critical products through pilot lines and pre-production facilities
- Systems integration: creating a UK supply chain able to design, deliver and support complete assembly systems
Automation is also among the priorities named.
Source: Aerospace Technology Institute · Image: Pixabay