Why global aerospace leaders choose Northern Ireland

Farnborough International Airshow is where the global aerospace community comes together to shape the future of flight. It is a platform for innovation, collaboration and long-term partnership — and a vital opportunity to demonstrate supply chain capability at scale.

At Farnborough, Northern Ireland is showcasing why it is a globally recognised centre of excellence for aerospace, defence and space. With decades of proven capability, the region combines advanced manufacturing expertise, world-class engineering talent and a highly integrated supply chain trusted by leading primes and tier one suppliers worldwide.

This year, 12 Northern Ireland companies are exhibiting together on the Northern Ireland Aerospace stand, highlighting the depth, diversity and resilience of the region’s aerospace ecosystem.

A deeply embedded global supply chain

Northern Ireland’s aerospace and defence sector supports some of the most advanced civil and defence aircraft programmes in the world. Local companies deliver high-value, safety-critical components and specialist services across aerostructures, systems, materials, electronics and digital technologies. We boast an award-winning supply chain with the world’s first Aero Excellence Silver award and 70% of the UK's SC21 Supply Chain Excellence Gold awards.

From advanced manufacturing to secure digital infrastructure, the region’s supply chain is trusted to perform in highly regulated environments. ANGOKA, for example, provides cybersecurity solutions that secure digital infrastructure for smart and connected systems across aerospace and defence, smart mobility and industrial systems.

This focus on reliability and performance is echoed across the ecosystem. Elite Electronics Systems, a UK-based electronic manufacturing services provider, specialises in high-reliability PCB assembly and full product build for regulated industries, supporting customers where quality and traceability are critical.

An integrated, end-to-end aerospace ecosystem

One of Northern Ireland’s defining strengths is its integrated, end-to-end aerospace capability. Design, advanced manufacturing, certification and testing are delivered within a single, highly connected ecosystem.

More than 120 aerospace and defence companies are located within a one-hour drive of each other, enabling close collaboration and efficient programme delivery. This proximity supports speed, agility and reduced risk for customers operating in complex global supply chains.

Moyola Precision Engineering exemplifies this strength, delivering world-class 5-axis machining solutions for complex components, kits and sub-assemblies across both civil aerospace and defence programmes. Similarly, Laser Prototypes Europe, an AS9100-certified manufacturer, uses additive manufacturing to produce production-qualified metal and plastic aerospace components.

Advanced materials and manufacturing excellence

Northern Ireland has long been recognised for its expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Companies across the region deliver complex structures and components using composites, polymers, thermoplastics and high-performance metals.

CCP Gransden Advanced Composites offers a wide range of in-house composite manufacturing processes, supporting aerospace and defence customers with flexible, high-quality production solutions. Denroy Plastics supplies both interior and exterior aircraft parts using high-performance thermoplastics, supporting demanding aerospace applications at scale.

This materials capability is complemented by specialist equipment and process innovation. PAC Group provides full research and development and prototyping services, including the custom design, manufacture and installation of reticulators, hot drape formers and resin transfer infusion and injection systems.

Supporting complex assemblies and global programmes

Northern Ireland companies are embedded across global aerospace programmes, delivering everything from individual components to complete assemblies and operational support.

RTA Ireland Limited provides a world-class service delivering machined and sheet metal components, commercial off-the-shelf products, assemblies and operational support services to international aerospace customers. SAM NI, a subsidiary of Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing, specialises in supplying engine mounts, engine casings, aerofoils and structural parts for global aerospace programmes.

Together, these companies demonstrate Northern Ireland’s ability to support customers across the full lifecycle — from development and qualification through to serial production and in-service support.

Digital capability and trusted supply chains

As aerospace programmes become increasingly digital and connected, secure and trusted supply chains are more important than ever. Northern Ireland is responding with expertise in digital infrastructure, data integrity and secure trade.

ubloquity is a specialist digital infrastructure company focused on enabling trusted, frictionless trade across global supply chains, supporting transparency and resilience in complex international networks. This capability complements the region’s strengths in manufacturing, helping customers manage risk and compliance.

Research, innovation and future readiness

Innovation is central to Northern Ireland’s aerospace success. The region benefits from strong collaboration between industry, academia and government, ensuring that new technologies move quickly from research into real-world application.

The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) plays a key role in this ecosystem, providing a collaborative, open-access environment to address manufacturing and product design challenges and support industrial innovation at pace.

This innovation-led approach ensures Northern Ireland remains competitive and future-ready as aerospace programmes evolve.

Materials expertise for demanding environments

Access to high-quality materials is critical for aerospace and defence manufacturing. UPM supports the sector with an extensive inventory of titanium, nickel alloys, stainless steel and cobalt alloy products, available in a variety of forms and with both DFARS and non-DFARS designations.

This capability strengthens the resilience of the local supply chain and supports customers operating in highly regulated defence and aerospace markets.

Sustainability and the future of flight

Northern Ireland is recognised globally for leadership in lightweighting and advanced aerostructures, exemplified by the Airbus A220 wing programme at the Airbus Belfast facility — the sole manufacturing site for this highly efficient, composite-rich wing.

Building on expertise across composites, metals and polymers, the region continues to support next-generation aircraft platforms. Short Brothers a Boeing Company continues to deliver large aerostructures to key primes and tier ones within the industry.  At the same time, collaboration across industry, academia and government is accelerating progress in sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the global aerospace sector’s journey towards Net Zero.

Northern Ireland also benefits from unique tariff-free market access to both Great Britain (GB) and the European Union (EU)

Meet Northern Ireland at Farnborough

At Farnborough International Airshow, the Northern Ireland Aerospace stand brings together a diverse group of companies that collectively demonstrate the region’s capability, innovation and reliability.

From advanced manufacturing and materials to digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, Northern Ireland offers a compelling proposition for global aerospace, defence and space partners.

Visit our stand in Hall 1 Stand No 1321 to discover how Northern Ireland can support your next aerospace programme.