A centre of gravity for aerospace

Over 220 professionals from 130 organisations came together for the 2024 MAA Conference on 21st March 2024 to hear the latest developments from aerospace industry experts and discuss what this means for companies across the supply chain.

Delegates from organisations across the supply chain gathered at the Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre in Derby, and it was great to receive a warm welcome from Rolls-Royce Strategy Executive and MAA Director, Tony Allen, at the opening of the event.

The agenda was packed with presentations from experts from leading organisations across three dynamic sessions covering topics that are critical to aerospace businesses right now.

Click here to watch the MAA Conference highlights video

Aerospace is growing but an increased pace is needed on sustainability

The keynote address from Klaus Mueller, Senior Advisor, AeroDynamic Advisory, framed the day by giving an incisive perspective on the industry and the latest forecasts. Although growth prospects are healthy, Klaus offered a strong warning that, as fast as we think we’re moving on improving our environmental sustainability, it’s not fast enough, if we’re to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The first session then examined market opportunities, discussing where the aerospace and aviation industries are headed, in particular what this means for the supply chain. There was a strong sense of optimism around the current upwards growth trajectory and the potential this creates, including details of funding programmes to help SMEs develop new technologies.

In addition to Klaus Mueller, speakers included Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport and Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer, Aerospace Technology Institute.

Diversification offers aerospace companies new opportunities

The benefits of diversifying into other high-value sectors, including defence, nuclear and space, were explored during the second session, with excitement generated around the potential opportunities being created, some quite novel. There were also discussions around what the growth of the sectors means for skills and the impact of companies collaborating.

Speakers included Matt Eagle, Senior Supply Chain Manager (Fixed Wing Aircraft), Boeing Defence UK, Mark Dumville, Chief Executive, GMV, Liz Griffiths, Technology Manager MAA, Robert Wilson, Head of Market Development, AWE, and Professor Angela Dean, Head of Apprenticeships and Quality, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Derby.

Leading aerospace businesses are stepping up performance while driving environmental sustainability

The final session focused on executing and delivering, with an emphasis on manufacturing, supply chains and performance. Presentations centred around how Primes and Tier 1s are driving a step change in performance, using lean to generate huge benefits, incorporating sustainability into operations, and building diverse and talented workforces.

Speakers included, Craig Askew, Director, Global Operations, Rolls-Royce, Chris Weir, Technology Manager, Midlands Aerospace Alliance, Jason Aldridge, Managing Director, ASG Arrowsmith Engineering, Brendan Kelly, Head of Health, Safety and Environment, ITP Aero UK, Jane Brogan, Operations Manager (Ansty Park) and Stephen Pilling CEng CMgr, Lean Lead (Ansty Park), both from Parker Meggitt, Tim Holmes, Technology Manager, MAA, Luca Garza, Strategy Operations Manager and Ian Adams, Environment, Health and Safety Manager, both from Collins Aerospace.

To read the key takeaways from the conference, click here

Creating experiences for up-and-coming talent

At this year's conference, the MAA board wanted to create an opportunity to inspire young people in aerospace and aviation. So, we offered places to ten talented guests who are all in their early careers and interested in building their futures in these industries.

The event was an opportunity for them to deepen their industry knowledge, make contacts, and get insights into what the future may look like for the sector.

One of our guests was Bertie Bertolaso, who volunteers as the Industry Lead for the RAF Air Cadets National Air & Space Camp, and also completed a degree apprenticeship a few weeks ago.


“I had a great day at the conference, meeting with new and exciting partners for the National Air and Space Camp,” said Bertie. “It was eye opening to hear recent insights from the aerospace industry. And, it was also good to get an understanding of different opportunities in other sectors such as defence and space. I'm looking forward to working closer with the MAA and new partners to create unique opportunities for the air cadets in the future.”

Taking the insights and ideas forward

For everyone who attended, the conference was full of takeaways, with plenty of stimulating presentations packed with insights and ideas to guide their business strategies.

We were also pleased to share details about how companies could get more involved and access support. We talked about up and coming MAA activities like Farnborough Airshow in July and the expert support available from the MAA’s Technology Managers to support companies to achieve their sustainability, productivity and space industry objectives.

As usual, the many networking opportunities were really appreciated, offering delegates the chance to make new connections and to strengthen their relationships with industry colleagues, with conversations continuing into the theatre and out into the car park!

We’re also pleased to report that the day ran smoothly, thanks to the support of our Member Services Team and Technology Managers who helped throughout the event.

Wrapping up the conference, Klaus Mueller described the Midlands as the “centre of gravity for the aerospace industry”. With so many great businesses that call our region home – and that are committed to innovating – we are sure it will continue to be for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our event partners who helped to make this great event happen, including Rolls-Royce, Unipart Logistics, University of Derby, Arrow Solutions, Consilium Recruit, Independent Forgings and Alloys, Inspired PLC, Med-Lab, MJ Sections, Tungaloy-NTK UK, Quest Global, Third Wave Systems, the University of Nottingham, and Westpack. Thanks also to the Innovate UK EDGE team who exhibited with us for the day to offer innovation support to members.

We’ve enjoyed hearing many great comments on social media from delegates who said they got a lot from the day. Here are just a few…

Couldn't stop taking notes all day, some great insight presented very well – thank you to all who made this event possible. It was also a great environment to naturally make new connections!

Jacob Hawxwell
Business Development Manager, Maher

Great guest speakers today! Fantastic to hear about all of the sustainable development goals that companies are working towards.

Daniel Holmes
Managing Director, Silcoms

We really enjoyed hearing the expert insights on market trends and opportunities and networking with other industry professionals.

It was also fascinating to learn about the possible links from the aerospace industry to the space industry and how innovative solutions are essential for this.

Texture Jet Ltd

A fantastic and informative day at the Midlands Aerospace Alliance conference. It has been great to meet with my existing network and meet new people.

Stephen Beecher CEng
Senior Sector Engagement Manager for Aerospace, AMRC