WEST CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF FLYING

19 Feb 2010

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British Aircraft Company in its heyday building airliners

AN easyJet Airbus A319 has been named "Sir George White" to commemorate 100 years of aerospace design, engineering and manufacturing in the Bristol region.

The ceremony, held on 19 February as the launch event for centenary celebrations of aviation in the West of England, was marked with a VIP champagne reception at Bristol International Airport, a commemorative flight over the city of Bristol, and a ceremony at Airbus's engineering and manufacturing site at Filton.

Sir George White founded the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC) at Filton, near Bristol, in February 1910. From these humble beginnings, globally significant enterprises that are now major parts of UK aviation giants Airbus and Rolls-Royce plc, and an environment that supports aerospace suppliers across the country, was born. Sir George's pioneering spirit also lives on in the world-class scientific research to be found throughout many UK universities and industrial sectors.

Today, aviation supports 200,000 jobs directly, and 500,000 indirectly, in the UK, and is worth more than £11.5 billion in GDP. These jobs cover skills from designing complex IT systems, advanced engineering and manufacturing, to customer services. All are vital pieces to the UK economy.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "It gives me great pleasure to support the celebrations marking the centenary of aviation in the West of England. Since the Bristol Aeroplane Company was founded by Sir George White, the industry has pioneered some of the most significant technological developments and innovations.

"Today, Bristol and the South West can be proud of its position as one of the world's leading centres for aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing. It is truly a British success story. And its position in the UK economy will only be enhanced as we look to sectors like aerospace and advanced technology to underpin strong, sustainable growth in the future."

The 2010 BAC 100 programme will commemorate and promote the West of England's technological achievements through education and arts projects, exhibitions, publications and community-based events, among other activities. The year-long celebration is a collaboration between local authorities, businesses and business organisations, heritage groups, arts organisations and other bodies, including Airbus, GWE Business West and Rolls-Royce.

Events will not only look at a landmark in aviation history but also explore future challenges and aspirations in aviation design and travel, and consider the wider role of science and technology in shaping the region.

www.bac2010.co.uk