Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced a £100 million boost for UK aerospace that includes £20 million of investment in skills, including high-tech Masters courses and apprenticeships.

Six projects will share £80 million funding for aerospace research to deliver growth in key areas of technology. These include development of jet engines, landing gears, electric control circuit board testing and architecture.

This funding comes from a £2 billion pot committed jointly by industry and government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). The projects will involve 18 companies, 11 academic or research institutions and five Catapult centres from across the UK.

Mr Cable said: “The UK’s aerospace industry has been propelled to a position of global excellence by a culmination of winning ideas, innovation and talent. This has created new ways to manufacture, new skills and a flexible chain of supplying businesses that will secure the industry’s long-term profitability.

“Government is working in partnership with big businesses like Airbus, GKN and Bombardier on an aerospace industrial strategy to give business the confidence to invest and create long-term jobs in the UK.”