As members of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and proud partners of a range of aviation sector businesses the 2025 conference at RAF Museum in Cosford was a must attend event.
A round up of the proceedings
The Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) Annual Conference 2025, held on March 26th at the RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford (which is well worth a visit!), brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the aerospace sector. The conference provided a platform for insightful discussions on production rate increases, supply chain resilience, and the evolving industrial strategy impacting both civil and defence aerospace.
The event began with a warm welcome from Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the MAA, who emphasised the Midlands’ vital role in the global aerospace industry. The opening session featured Clive Lewis, Managing Director of Achieving the Difference and MAA Technology Manager, who presented insights from the Global Aerospace Outlook. This included analyses on demand, delivery recovery, order books, and market opportunities. His presentation shed light on the accelerating recovery of the sector post-pandemic and the increasing need for innovation to sustain global competitiveness.
A key highlight was a multi-sector overview delivered by Beth Owen, Head of Logistics and Transport at Airbus in the UK and Director at the North West Aerospace Alliance. She provided an in-depth perspective on opportunities arising from aerospace ramp-ups and underscored the importance of supply chain resilience, particularly focusing on quality, on-time delivery, innovation, and digitalisation. Her session resonated strongly with SMEs, like ourselves, who are looking to scale their operations to meet rising industry demands.
The conference also delved into supply chain risk and resilience, with Lisa Charlesworth, Head of Fan and Combustion Systems Operating Unit at ITP Aero UK, discussing manufacturing and operational developments. She highlighted challenges across the supply chain, workforce, processes, customers, and regulations, along with potential solutions. Her insights into mitigating risks through strategic partnerships and workforce development were particularly well received.
Simon Ward, Chairman of Accrofab Group, provided an SME perspective, illustrating that the growth journey is non-linear. He shared valuable lessons learned from working within the aerospace supply chain and emphasised the need to involve lower tier companies earlier in the design process to leverage their production expertise. This perspective sparked a lively discussion among attendees on optimising collaboration between SMEs and larger aerospace firms.
Andrew Brough, Director of Aerospace & Defence at Siemens Avanta, discussed business opportunities related to new aircraft programs and production rate increases. His session tackled key barriers faced by the UK supply chain, such as workforce shortages, sustainability regulations, and digital transformation challenges. He proposed a roadmap for companies to leverage digital tools and advanced manufacturing techniques to stay ahead of the competition.
A dedicated session on sustainability in aerospace manufacturing explored innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Experts from leading aerospace firms and research institutions shared advancements in alternative fuels, lightweight materials, and circular economy strategies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aerospace manufacturing and operations.
Amidst these discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, we know that the role of precise measurement and calibration services remains pivotal.
How are CoMech supporting the aerospace sector?
CoMech Metrology, based in Derby (heart of the Midlands!), stands out as a key player in providing UKAS calibration services to the aerospace sector. With over 35 years of experience, CoMech offers UKAS accredited calibration services, ensuring that aerospace equipment meets stringent safety and performance standards.
CoMech’s comprehensive calibration services encompass electrical, pressure, mechanical, dimensional, and physical measurement equipment. Our custom-built ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories are equipped to handle a diverse range of calibration needs, ensuring compliance with industry regulations like those set by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, partnerships with expert calibration specialists, like CoMech Metrology, are essential. Our expertise supports the sector’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, aligning with the themes and discussions highlighted at the MAA Annual Conference 2025.
