Are you active in the aviation sector and curious about opportunities in the United Kingdom? Then join the fact-finding mission to Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Derby from Monday 19 January to Thursday 22 January 22 2026, and discover all the possibilities. The registration deadline for this mission is 1 December 2025.

The United Kingdom (UK) has a rich history in aviation. The British aerospace manufacturing industry is the second-largest in the world and plays a vital role in the global supply chain. Furthermore, the UK boasts the largest aviation network in Europe. Further growth of this network is encouraged to boost the economy throughout the country.

There are also major technological and strategic developments:

• The UK has a large backlog of orders for aircraft components. This poses a challenge for the sector, which is why British companies are seeking new partners.
• The future of aviation revolves around sustainability and innovation, both in the UK and the Netherlands. To strengthen its leading position in the aerospace manufacturing industry, the UK is paying close attention to this. For example, significant investments are being made in R&D.
• Major players are increasingly demanding more sustainable and lighter materials. This also applies to efficient electrical systems and hybrid propulsion. Besides OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), MRO companies and aircraft component suppliers need sustainable materials, composites, and electrical systems. Dutch companies and institutions can contribute their expertise to this development.

There are many opportunities for Dutch companies, particularly in the areas of:

• Aircraft Manufacturing
• MRO
• Innovative Composites
• Electrical Systems
• Hybrid Propulsion Technologies (focused on weight reduction, electrification, and cost reduction for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers)

For whom

This fact-finding mission is for Dutch companies in:

• The aerospace manufacturing industry
• MRO (maintenance and repair)

Concept programme

Monday 19 January:

• Morning: Departure from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, arrival at Bristol Airport
• Afternoon: Welcome lunch at the GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre, presentations by GKN Aerospace and the Dutch delegation
• Evening: Dinner with the Dutch delegation

Tuesday 20 January:

• Morning: Site visit regarding Airbus wing design and maintenance, fuel and landing gear systems (alternative Rolls-Royce defense track for relevant companies)
• Networking lunch at Airbus
• Afternoon: Visit to AirTec (Aerospace Integrated Research and Test Centre)
• Evening: Networking reception with Aerospace Wales

Wednesday 21 January:

• Morning: Visit to GE Aerospace Wales
• Afternoon: Visit to the MRO Hub Cardiff
• Evening: Roundtable event (with networking reception) with UK experts on the topic of sustainable aviation

Thursday 22 January:

• Morning: Site visit to Collins Aerospace (Advances Structures, Power and Controls) in Wolverhampton
• Lunch with Collins Aerospace
• Afternoon: Visit to Rolls-Royce Control Systems in Birmingham
  Return trip from Birmingham to Amsterdam

When and where

• Dates: 19 January to 22 January 2026
• Locations: Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff and Derby (VK)

More information and registration

For detailed information and registration (deadline for registration is 1 December 2025), please visit the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO):

Website RVO