West of England Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Forum (WEAF) and its member companies are all set to showcase their combined wealth of aerospace excellence at the Farnborough International Airshow.

WEAF is set to showcase the best of aerospace design, development, and advanced manufacturing from the dynamic South-West region at this year’s prestigious Farnborough International Airshow (FIA). This bi-annual event highlights innovation, advance system design and manufacturing from across the aerospace industry.

At FIA 2024, WEAF will support member companies who are displaying their worldclass capabilities to the global aerospace community, including Walker AEC, Kingfield Electronics, Poeton Industries, Expromet Technologies Group, Ultima Forma, TechPoint, NATEP, Rotary Precision Instruments and FBMP to name but a few. In addition, WEAF will be aiding teams from Somerset/Devon Future flight Zone and Dorset Council as they promote the expertise and potential of the region for innovative flight development and inwards development.

The aerospace sector in the UK, particularly in the South-West, commands a formidable presence on the global stage. The region is home to 14 of the major ‘Prime’ companies, with Airbus’s facilities at Bristol playing a critical role in the design of wings, fuel systems and landing gear for the Airbus fleet. The presence of such a large number of major aerospace companies underscores the region's pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the aerospace industry worldwide.

The South-West regions key capabilities extend to the design and manufacture of both civil and military aircraft components, assemblies, and engines. Innovation plays a significant role within the region. The output of this innovative research is focused on increasing the sustainability of current and future aircraft. The region is home to worldclass centres, such as the Airbus Airtec, GKN Global Technology Centre, National Composite Centre, IAAP, iAero Yeovil, and Epic Optronics Torquay. These open collaboration centres form the cornerstones of an innovation pipeline, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of sustainable aviation.

A place to grow

WEAF supports start-up companies who are attracted to the region due to its all-round capabilities and expertise. Companies such Vertical Aerospace, Aeralis and Zero Avia, are developing new aviation platforms and systems. Regional SMEs are also developing innovative electrical systems, Hydrogen/SAF fuels, advanced actuation, ALM. All these companies have become part of the WEAF community and understand the benefits of the WEAF network.

As the prominent industrially-focused trade association in the South-West, WEAF plays a pivotal role in bridging knowledge between the Major Prime companies and their supply chains, championing the region and the interests of its diverse membership base. Through support, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, WEAF nurtures a collaborative networked community conducive to innovation, driving sustained growth and global relevance within the industry. Membership in WEAF affords unparalleled networking opportunities, access to industry insights, and a platform to showcase expertise on a global scale.

For 20+ years WEAF has been supporting, networking, collaborating on behalf of its members and the South-West regional supply chain. FIA2024 offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase its members to the world’s aerospace community.

Colin Turner, CEO of WEAF, comments: “We are very much looking forward to supporting the WEAF community and the region at this prestigious event.”

WEAF will be exhibiting at this year’s Farnborough Airshow in hall 1, stand 217.

www.weaf.co.uk