The iAero centre, a £10 million facility built to encourage innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the aerospace sector, has been officially opened in Somerset in the south-west of England. It is situated next door to the Yeovil site of Leonardo UK, which has been a key partner in the project.
Nick Whitney, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, commented: “Yeovil has a long history in aerospace. The iAero centre marks the next frontier for the aerospace community in Somerset. The freedom to explore, experiment and engineer at the centre will ensure the region remains at the cutting edge of innovative flight technologies.”
The development of iAero has been led by Somerset county council. According to the council, the opening of the centre marks the start of a new phase in the project, with the aim now to secure the right tenants, cement iAero’s place in the aerospace industry and maximise its economic benefits.
David Hall, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, planning and community infrastructure, noted: “iAero represents a significant investment in the future of Somerset’s aerospace industry, delivered with funding from the county council, the European Union and UK government.”
Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The launch of iAero is extremely exciting and of huge significance to the region. The centre will contribute to local economic growth and the creation of high-value jobs, as well as our clean growth ambitions.
“iAero will provide an important facility to support the South West’s well-established aerospace cluster, and its national and global competitiveness. The facilities at iAero will enable the development of innovative and sustainable solutions, putting the South West at the centre of cutting-edge emission-reducing technologies.”
