The aerospace industry in Scotland
The UK has the world's largest aerospace industry outside the USA, and the aerospace sector is the second largest contributor to the UK economy after pharmaceuticals.
Scotland enjoys a thriving aerospace industry based around international airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Prestwick. The Scottish industry is predominantly civil, with over 100 companies in the sector and its immediate supply chain. These companies employ more than 4,500 people, and sector sales are currently worth around £1 billion. 65 per cent of activity is in maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) and 69 per cent of companies export.
The aerospace industry in Scotland has expertise in three key areas:
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
The largest growing part of the industry in Scotland and growth is concentrated in the west. - Manufacture and design
The most widely distributed part of the industry in Scotland, with clear links to the marine sector and other industries such as Energy. - Avionics
The most technically advanced part of the industry, essentially the electronic equipment that goes on to aircraft and related products.
Scottish aerospace companies
Find information about Scottish aerospace companies in our supplier database
Research and development
There are 54 university departments and 34 companies with identified capabilities and technology expertise applicable to aerospace and defence.
Our research and development directory contains information on almost 90 organisations from academia and industry with technology capability relevant to aerospace and defence-related markets.
Search our research and development directory
Market information
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) produce sector market reports written by experts with knowledge of the aerospace market.
Read aerospace market reports on the UK Trade and Investment website
SBAC Scotland Aerospace and Defence Survey 2007
The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) Scotland Aerospace and Defence Survey for 2007 showed the significant contribution the aerospace, defence and naval sector makes to the Scottish economy in employment, earnings, innovation and investment.
Download the 2007 Scotland aerospace and defence survey results from the SBAC Scotland website
Download the 2007 UK aerospace industry survey results from the SBAC website