On a worldwide scale, the aerospace industry, which includes technologically advanced activities with a strong commitment to RDI, is concentrated in the United States (53.5%) and the European Union (39.4%).
Spain plays a significant role in the EADS consortium (the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) of which Airbus is the civil aircraft division. The output of Spain's aerospace sector has grown in recent years (3.8% in 2004). In Catalonia -pioneer in the Spanish aeronautical industry since its inception at the start of the 20th century, with companies such as Elizalde and Hispano-Suiza- sales have also risen in recent years, thus strengthening the sector's position.
Aircraft components account for more than 75% of the output of Catalonia's aerospace industry. Manufacturing companies, which are based mainly in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, take advantage of synergies with Catalonia's long-standing automotive component industry. The remaining 25% is devoted to satellites and space shuttles. This field of activity is gaining momentum in the aeronautical industry.
The aeronautical and space sector in Catalonia is made up of more than 50 companies. The largest companies based in Catalonia include Mier Comunicaciones, Nuevas Tecnologías Espaciales (NTE), Indra, Sener, Ingeniería y Sistemas, Atos Origin Gutmar, Edag, Serra Soldadura, Enginyeria del Vallès, Rücker Ibérica, and Roga.
BAIE (Barcelona Aerospace and Space Association) is a platform that was created in November 2000 with the aim to promote the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona and Catalonia as a competitive setting for the activities related to the aeronautical and space industries. BAIE is formed by the Barcelona City Hall, Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia) and the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce of Spain, over 60 private companies and other key players of the aerospace sector and public institutions in Catalonia. Today BAIE has 86 members.
In 2004, the Aerospace Technology Centre (CTAE) was created with the aim, among other things, of becoming a leading player in the research and commercial development of applications and services related to the Galileo system. Also worthy of mention is the Aerospace Park of Catalonia - a business and technology park for aerospace, aeronautical and mobility activities located near the airport of Barcelona.
Business opportunities in the industry include the A400M military aircraft, the Galileo satellite navigation system, Boeing 787, Airbus A-350, the attack helicopter Tigre and the Eurofighter plane.
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Updated 14/12/2007
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