AI in Aerospace

Accelerating innovation, productivity and competitiveness across the UK aerospace sector

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to practical deployment across aerospace. From design and engineering to manufacturing, assembly and maintenance, AI technologies are creating new opportunities to increase productivity, improve quality, strengthen resilience and accelerate innovation.

Developed jointly by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Capgemini, this research explores how AI is being applied across the UK aerospace manufacturing sector today, where the greatest opportunities exist, and what organisations need to do to scale adoption responsibly and effectively. The report combines industry insight, practical case studies and strategic guidance to help aerospace leaders navigate AI with confidence.

What you will learn

This report provides a practical guide to AI adoption across aerospace manufacturing, helping organisations understand both the opportunities and the challenges associated with implementation. It examines how AI can support aerospace design, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and operational decision-making, while maintaining the safety, assurance and engineering rigour that underpin the industry.

Within the report you will discover:

• How AI is reshaping aerospace design, manufacturing and MRO operations.
• Real-world examples of AI already delivering value across the aerospace value chain.
• The foundations required for successful AI adoption, including talent, data and infrastructure.
• The key challenges around governance, trust, cybersecurity and regulation.
• What the future of AI-enabled aerospace manufacturing could look like.

Why AI Matters for UK Aerospace Manufacturing

The UK aerospace sector is navigating a period of significant transformation. As manufacturers increase production rates, prepare for future aircraft programmes and address workforce and supply chain challenges, AI has emerged as a powerful tool for improving efficiency and competitiveness.

AI is no longer confined to research projects or isolated demonstrations. It is becoming a practical capability that can help aerospace organisations:

• Accelerate engineering and product development.
• Improve manufacturing productivity and quality.
• Optimise maintenance and through-life support operations.
• Capture and retain critical engineering knowledge.
• Build greater resilience across aerospace supply chains and operations.

For UK aerospace manufacturers, AI has the potential to become a critical enabler of future growth, productivity and global competitiveness.

Key Insights from the Research

AI is a toolbox, not a single technology

AI encompasses a broad range of capabilities including machine learning, generative AI, computer vision, optimisation techniques, robotics and autonomous agents. Different approaches are suited to different aerospace challenges and often work best together.

Competitiveness will increasingly depend on AI adoption

Future aerospace competitiveness will depend not only on what organisations can design, but on how effectively they can validate, manufacture, support and scale complex products and systems. AI can act as a force multiplier for engineering expertise.

Successful AI adoption requires strong foundations

The greatest AI outcomes are achieved when organisations combine technology investment with improvements in workforce skills, digital infrastructure, data quality and governance.

Human expertise remains essential

AI should augment engineers, manufacturing specialists and maintenance teams rather than replace them. Human accountability, oversight and engineering judgement remain central to successful deployment.