UK aviation worth more than £11 billion a year to South West economy

£11.5 billion is contributed by aviation, airlines and aerospace to the region every year, and employs more than 89,800 people - underlining the sector’s importance to regional economic growth.

Across the whole of South West England, aviation is a driver of growth and jobs:

• North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset generates almost £2.8bn GVA, and aviation is responsible for more than 23,159 jobs.
• West of England generates almost £3.6bn GVA, and aviation is responsible for more than 27,387 jobs.
• Gloucestershire and Wiltshire generates almost £2.4bn GVA, and aviation is responsible for more than 18,512 jobs.
   

Nationally, UK aviation and aerospace contributes more than £100 billion to the UK economy every year and employs nearly 1 million people.

The report, Economic contribution of aviation to the UK economy produced by Steer for Sustainable Aviation, assesses the impact of the UK’s aviation sector across three core industries – airlines, airports and aerospace.

It measures the sector’s direct economic activity, as well as the wider contribution generated through supply chains and employee spending across the latest data available.

Sustainable Aviation also recently published its 2026 Decarbonisation Road-Map, which sets out the progress already made to decarbonise the sector, and how it can continue to reduce emissions - dependent on the right policy support, investment and actions across government and industry.

Duncan McCourt, Chief Executive of Sustainable Aviation, said: 

"From Cornwall to North Somerset, these findings show that aviation is a major driver of economic growth and employment across South West England. Every year, the sector contributes more than £11 billion to the regional economy and supports over 89,800 jobs.

"The benefits of aviation are felt far beyond aviation. It connects businesses to customers and markets around the world, supports key industries, attracts inward investment and tourism, and helps people stay connected with friends and family.

“It is one of the UK’s most important sectors, delivering growth and innovation directly, and enabling growth in other sectors. As we continue to decarbonise, this economic contribution underlines why aviation is such an important enabler, and why we should support the sector to be globally competitive.”

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said:

“This report provides more excellent data on the vital impact of airports and wider aviation on the economy, creating jobs and wealth through connecting the UK with the world.

“We can increase this impact through sustainable growth, providing travellers and businesses with more choice and competition, while also making good on our net zero commitments.

“It is now up to the sector and government to work together to deliver this prosperity for the whole of the UK.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the trade body for UK Airlines, said:

“UK airlines are part of an aviation and aerospace success story that brings benefits to all parts of the country. Not only do airlines support hundreds of thousands of jobs, they also underpin our tourism and travel industries and open up new markets for UK businesses.

“By working with government to realise our commitment to a more sustainable future, including by using sustainable aviation fuels that are already making a difference today, we can grow these benefits long into the future.”

John Copley, Chief Operating Officer at ADS, said:

“This report is a powerful reminder that aerospace is not only essential to connecting people, businesses and markets, but also a major driver of economic growth and prosperity.

“Crucially, maintaining and growing this contribution will depend on continued investment in the technologies and innovations that will shape the next generation of aircraft. From more efficient and lower-emission airframes and propulsion systems to advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, the UK’s aerospace sector has a pivotal role to play in delivering both economic growth and the industry's long-term sustainability ambitions.

“The report highlights that aerospace alone contributes significantly to the UK economy, underlining the strategic importance of maintaining the UK's position as a global leader in aerospace innovation. By backing industrial capability, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation's future while securing highly skilled jobs and investment for decades to come.