Insider Media Limited

Eleven companies with significant Midlands-based operations are among those listed in the latest Top 100 table of global aerospace manufacturers. The list, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), includes GKN, Bombardier and Goodrich.

The companies with significant production and/or research and development facilities in the Midlands include BAE Systems (8), Rolls-Royce (14), Bombardier (16), Goodrich (18), Alcoa (31), GKN (39), Meggitt (44), Ultra Electronics (57), Umeco (75), Doncasters (94) and Hampson Industries (96).

Derby-based Rolls-Royce and Bombardier, which has a facility in Burton-on-Trent, were among just eight companies in the Top 20 to improve their position in the table over the past year.

Other climbers included Boeing, which moved past EADS to take top position.

Andrew Hammond, aerospace and defence specialist at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Midlands, said: “Clearly, last year was a challenging year for the global aerospace industry with reduced passenger and air freight demand leading to a dramatic decline in new aircraft orders as airlines looked to preserve cash.

"These factors, combined with much publicised, widespread programme delays and cost overruns in both military and commercial programmes, has meant the impact on revenues has been quite dramatic - this is the first decline in profits we have seen in five years.

“Despite this, a significant number of companies with a manufacturing or R&D presence in the Midlands have made the top 100, including Rolls-Royce, which is among the few that improved their position. This highlights the importance of the aerospace sector as a contributor to the regional economy."

The table was compiled in association with Flight International magazine.