Aerospace sector's boosting region's economy

THE South West's aerospace sector is creating tens of thousands jobs across the region and is driving economic growth, a new industry report has found.

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Prime Minister Kier Starmer visiting Rolls-Royce in Bristol last year speaks with staff

(Paul Gillis / Reach Plc)

In the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) alone nearly 14,000 jobs are directly generated by the sector, according to the analysis by Sustainable Aviation a coalition of UK airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, fuel producers and partners working to deliver carbon net zero aviation by 2050.

In the wider South West region, including Cornwall and Devon, the aerospace industry has created more than 48,000 roles.

Air freight also supports 5.5 per cent of the economy and contributes £9.5bn to the region's GVA, the report found.