Pictured above: Neil Rawlinson, Chair of the MAA Innovation and Technology Working Group and Director of Strategy and Innovation, Aero Engine Controls; Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the MAA; Jim Coyle, Aerospace Cluster Manager, AWM; Ian Gurnell, Collaborative Research Manager, Advanced Composites Group; Stan Payne, MAA Director; Claire Abbott, MAA Programme Manager; Bob Newman, MAA Technology Manager; Dave Dawson, Engineering and Technology Executive - Purchase, Rolls-Royce plc; and Peter Knight, Operations Director , ITP Engines UK Ltd.

A regional programme aimed at encouraging the development and exploitation of new technologies by companies in the Midlands aerospace supply chain is to receive a £1.5million boost.

The Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (ATEP) was launched in 2006 by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands in partnership with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and has successfully supported 19 companies and three universities across five projects.

The new £1.5million thrust behind the ATEP will help to support more companies, particularly SMEs, developing new technologies through collaborative working in order to address emerging market requirements for future aircraft.

Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) are funding the new stage in the ATEP's development.

Jim Coyle, Advantage West Midlands Aerospace Cluster Manager, said: "Technological innovation is paramount for the region to maintain and build on its strengths in aerospace and is a fundamental part of the Aerospace Cluster plan 2008-11.

"As such we are extremely pleased to announce this new investment in the ATEP. We already have a strong base upon which to build, but it is essential Advantage West Midlands and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance continue to support and invest in the companies who make up the supply chain.

"Considerable growth is forecast in the aerospace industry over the next 20 years, in spite of the current global economic downturn, with exciting new developments coming on board. These include a major programme to replace short range aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

"With billions of pounds of potential global contracts up for grabs in the next ten years alone, it is essential that we give the region the best possible opportunity to win our fair share of orders."

Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: "Advantage West Midlands is giving the aerospace supply chain another opportunity to invest in the vital new technologies that companies require for future aircraft programmes.

"This kind of investment helps supply chain companies to participate in major national research programmes, securing high-quality employment for decades to come."

The announcement was made at the latest meeting of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance Innovation and Technology Working Group and follows last month's announcement of a further £1.5 million investment by AWM and the ERDF in the pioneering SC21 programme, which will help aerospace firms improve performance, reduces costs, innovate and ultimately attract new orders.

Aerospace is a vital sector in the West Midlands economy with 450 companies employing some 25,000 staff.

More than one-fifth of the Rolls-Royce supply chain is located in the West Midlands and other major aerospace companies in the region include Goodrich, Smiths and Meggitt.

The new project will help the West Midlands companies in the supply chain compete in the global marketplace as the demand for components increases with the growth of passenger air traffic over the next 20 years.

It will be undertaken by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance which represents an industry led cluster of companies, research institutions, business support agencies and skills institutions to develop and transform the world-class aerospace industry in the East and West Midlands.

The project fits in with a national strategy put together by BERR to strengthen what is seen as a major UK technology sector.