Aerospace net-zero opportunity

Net Zero is the single driving force behind aerospace plans and the biggest technological challenge since the dawn of the jet age, according to the keynote speaker at the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium’s annual conference.

The conference was addressed by Sir Michael Ryan CBE who said net-zero was a huge opportunity. Sir Michael is VicePresident, European Space and Defence, Government Affairs, and Chairman of Spirit AeroSystems UK.

He spoke to almost 100 delegates at the Elvetham Hotel near Hook in Hampshire and said ‘net-zero’ is the ‘single driving force behind aerospace plans’.

He added that this was ‘the biggest technological challenge since the dawn of the jet-age’ but that it was a ‘generational opportunity’.

To achieve net-zero, Sir

Kloeckner Metals UK has achieved the BES 6001 ‘Excellent’ rating for its Leeds, Westok, Thurrock and Dudley sites. Assessed by BSI, the BES 6001 certification allows Kloeckner Metals to demonstrate that its products are made with constituent materials that have been responsibly sourced.

Kloeckner says the rating is an endorsement of its dedication to continuous

Michael said, ‘means we have to work better together; all sectors, supply chains and academia’.

Afterwards he said: “It was great to be in an area of historical importance in aviation and aerospace, both in capability and innovation, and to be part of a dynamic regional association body.”

The event heard from a dozen speakers in a packed day titled ‘Destination Net Zero’, and there were lively question and answer sessions.

Speakers included Paul

Griffiths, head of AerospaceHub, BEIS, Oriel Petry, Senior VP of Airbus and Steve Gillard, UK Sustainability Director and International Defence Sustainability Leader.

Alan Fisher, chief executive of FAC, said: “Net-zero was seen as a huge opportunity in aerospace – a way of keeping the UK in its position as world leaders in the sector.

“It’s not to say that difficulties weren’t addressed – particularly lack of skills and a difficult recruitment landscape – but solutions were put forward.

“Our keynote speakers are some of the most influential thought leaders in the country and provided great insights, market intelligence and statistics.

“The message of collaboration was delivered by many speakers who said it was the key to achieving net-zero.” 8 fac.org.uk