Panel: Advanced Materials for Aerospace: Closing the Gap

Friday, 24 April 2026

The aerospace sector depends on advanced materials that, in many cases, are designed, qualified and manufactured far from UK shores. This panel examines where the gaps in domestic capability are most acute, what it would take to close them, and how UK industry can position itself as a serious competitor in the global advanced materials supply chain. From the challenge of part qualification and digital certification to the role of SMEs in accelerating innovation, panellists will assess the realistic path forward and where the most promising opportunities lie.

Discussion Points:

• Where are the most significant gaps in UK advanced materials capability for aerospace applications, and how did we get here?
• Part qualification remains a major bottleneck, with certification timelines stretching to decades in some cases. What is being done to accelerate this, and how close are we to a solution?
• How can the UK realistically position itself as a competitive domestic supplier of critical aerospace materials currently sourced internationally?
• What role can SMEs play in driving innovation and closing capability gaps, and how should they be supported alongside the tier one and prime players?