The university is in partnership with GE Aviation Wales and the aerospace facility includes a flight simulator, wind tunnel, and engine. The centre also includes a hanger with a full-size JetStream 31, delivered from the Netherlands.
TB Davies Group communications director James Gray said: “South Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace in particular maintenance and repair activities.”
The centre was developed in conjunction with GE Aviation who has a one million square foot operation in the area. South Wales is also home to similar major forces within the civil and military aerospace industry including British Airways and Babcock International.
Sir John Parker president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the main body representing top-flight engineers recently stated, “If you look at what lies behind the products and services of many companies, from pharmaceuticals to railways, you will find that their creative focus is invariably centred on the art and science of engineering. Britain needs to produce 10,000 more university-qualified engineers a year, 50 per cent more than now, if the government is to achieve its aim of a rebalanced economy.”
The aircraft maintenance degree requires students to take workshop training on specific aircraft. Practical experience with a real commercial aircraft is a requirement of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if students are to qualify as licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.
Working with the team at Glamorgan will “further enhance our ability to recruit engineers who are critical to an efficient and effective product development process. It is encouraging to see the faculty support local business by making such a significant investment in adding this aeronautical dimension to its engineering degree portfolio.” Gray added.
