Northern Ireland is a global leader in aerospace technology. It has a dynamic, rapidly growing international aerospace industry founded on a strong engineering heritage that is rich in knowledge, skills and experience.

Companies can benefit from barrier-free access to both Great Britain and EU markets. Businesses can establish themselves in this unique location, operating free from customs declarations, rules of origin certificates and non-tariff barriers on the sale of goods to both Great Britain and the EU.

Sector and market opportunity

Tap into an exceptional opportunity to develop, produce and integrate lightweight structures, connected and cyber-secure cabin systems and advanced air mobility products in Northern Ireland’s award-winning aerospace ecosystem.

Access support from, and collaborate with, regional and national programmes in working towards the UK’s Jet Zero ambitions. Companies can benefit from free trade access to both UK and EU markets, tapping into a highly skilled engineering heritage spanning over 100 years that drives a £1.9 billion annual aerospace turnover.

Growth prospects

By 2030, the emergence of entirely new aviation markets in the sub-regional and urban environments is expected.

Northern Ireland has the potential to become a world-leading, specialised hub for the development of drone, advanced air mobility and space technologies. Estimates value future exports at up to £2 billion.

Work alongside world-leading multinationals in addressing aerospace decarbonisation and increasing aircraft connectivity through the development of:

• novel aerodynamic structures
• critical internal cabin systems
• protective cybersecurity countermeasures

Location

Northern Ireland has a well-established aerospace and aviation industry; home to primes and many innovative companies taking advantage of a long heritage in manufacturing, engineering and a highly capable workforce.

Connectivity

Belfast International, Belfast City and Derry airports offer wide-reaching domestic and international air travel connectivity.

Northern Ireland has a modern road network, facilitating rapid transportation to anywhere in the country with little congestion, as well as seamless transition from north to south with no border checks.

With 5 commercial ports, Northern Ireland has excellent shipping connectivity with additional access to the Rosslare Europort, one of the largest, busiest and best geographically-positioned ports in Ireland to access Europe.

Local talent and skills

Northern Ireland’s talent pool includes:

• 2 world-class universities and an extensive network of further education colleges providing excellent academic and vocational training
• 42.1% of the population educated to degree-level or above - the highest proportion in the UK. Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University have a combined student population of 55,000
• 8,000 people directly employed in the Northern Irish aerospace industry

Research and expertise

Northern Ireland is home to world-class innovation and research centres, including:

• Institute of Electronics, Communications & Information Technology (ECIT)
• Northern Ireland Technology Centre
• Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE)
• Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)
• Ulster University’s Engineering Composites Research Centre (ECRE)

Northern Ireland is also in receipt of City and Growth Deals (C&GD): a series of capital projects driving sustained economic growth. Major C&GD investments include the £100 million Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre development in Belfast, a state-of-the-art factory of the future.

Further details

Northern Ireland offers a resilient supply chain with expertise in key technologies including:

• composites design and manufacturing
• advanced metal forming
• precision machining
• seating and interiors
• design and stress
• tooling design and manufacturing

Enabling clean growth

Demand for cleaner and smarter aviation is increasing in the UK and across the world – Northern Irish aerospace is in a prime position to benefit.

The Jet Zero strategy sets out how the UK will achieve net zero aviation by 2050. It focuses on the rapid development of technologies in a way that maintains air travel benefits whilst maximising opportunities.

The Aerospace Technology Institute’s Destination Zero strategy provides sector-wide guidance on the UK’s aerospace technology strategy to meet 2050 goals.

Local and national government support

The UK is prioritising the development of cleaner and smarter aviation technologies by offering support and funding to projects and companies that meet the requirements of the UK’s net zero trajectory.

Northern Ireland offers inward investors one of the most attractive support packages available in Europe. These packages are tailor-made for each individual investment project. Their tailored support packages include cash grants for capital investments and employment, interest relief and support for a variety of business operations such as research and development (R&D), training and marketing.