What Midlands Aerospace Alliance does

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) is a UK-based, non-profit, membership-driven industry cluster body founded in 2003 and headquartered at the Business Innovation Centre, Binley Business Park, Coventry. It serves approximately 300 member companies in the Midlands region — one of the largest aerospace supply-chain clusters in Europe, anchored by Rolls-Royce, Collins Aerospace, ITP Aero UK, Moog Aircraft Group, Parker Meggitt and Safran — by providing business development, supply chain performance improvement (SC21), leadership development (Mentorship+), technology and R&D programme management, and access to global aerospace customers via organised exhibition stands at Farnborough and Paris airshows. Its research with the Midlands Engine Observatory identified 524 firms, 36,500 employees and 595 sites in the cluster, generating over £5.3bn in GVA and 100,000+ jobs when multiplier effects are included.

MAA's revenue is generated through annual membership subscriptions (full membership for Midlands-based aerospace companies; associate membership for companies outside the region) plus event and exhibition participation fees, supplemented by grant-funded programme management. It orchestrates a portfolio of publicly co-funded initiatives including Pivot into Space (£1m with UK Space Agency), the Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC) programme (Innovate UK/Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Drone Ready Cities (£268,175 Regulators' Pioneer Fund via DBT, with Coventry City Council), Aerospace UP (£20m, ERDF and Midlands Engine, with University of Nottingham IAT), ASSIST, and the Supply Chain Transition Programme (with Business Growth West Midlands). It is governed by a board including senior representatives from the major anchor OEMs plus elected supply-chain representatives and is led by Chief Executive Dr Andrew Mair, with Samantha Buckton elected Chair in 2025.

MAA is not a product company in the conventional sense and does not own proprietary technology platforms; its core 'product' is the searchable Members Directory and a portfolio of services layered onto it. The single documented AI-adjacent capability is a NeRF computer-vision research project (Bloc Digital / University of Derby, funded by ATI and NATEP) for 3D inspection of aerospace parts. The organisation's strategic differentiator is its role as the recognised convener between SMEs, primes, government funders (UK Space Agency, ATI, DBT, CAA, Innovate UK) and academic partners (University of Nottingham IAT, HVMC), combined with regulated access to major international airshows and a UK/EU cluster network via the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership.

Name

Midlands Aerospace Alliance

Legal name

Midlands Aerospace Alliance

Website

https://midlandsaerospace.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance is a UK non-profit, membership-based aerospace industry cluster body founded in 2003, serving 300 companies in the Midlands — anchored by Rolls-Royce, Collins Aerospace, ITP and Moog — with supply-chain performance programmes, technology development, mentorship, and exhibition access at Farnborough and Paris airshows.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Industry Association Services

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Primary Airframe Structures (Fuselage, Wing, Empennage) (IMABAEAA), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

Keywords

• Aerospace industry association
• Aerospace cluster management
• Aerospace supply chain services
• Aerospace membership network
• Aerospace business development

Headquarters

HQ city

Coventry

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: The MAA generates revenue through membership fees from aerospace companies in the Midlands. Membership provides access to business development support, supply chain performance programs, technology development projects, networking events, and the member capability directory.
2. Event Participation: Revenue generated through exhibition fees for companies participating in organized events at major airshows including Farnborough and Paris Airshows.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Midlands Aerospace Alliance is a membership-based, non-profit aerospace industry cluster body that supports 300 member companies in the UK Midlands region. Its fundamental offering is recurring membership services for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, including a searchable online member capability directory, supply chain performance programmes (SC21), leadership development (Mentorship+), business development facilitation at international airshows (Farnborough, Paris), and administration of publicly-funded R&D and diversification programmes (Pivot into Space, DMAC, DTEP, Aerospace UP).

Product overview

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) is a membership-based industry cluster body, not a product company in the traditional sense. It functions as a coordinating network offering a suite of member services built around its core searchable Members Directory, professional development offerings (including the Mentorship+ Programme and SC21 supply chain performance programme), and a portfolio of publicly funded R&D and innovation programmes. These programmes include Pivot into Space (space sector diversification), the Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC, sustainability), the ASSIST Programme (West Midlands R&D funding matchmaking), the Supply Chain Transition Programme (sector entry support), and the Drone Ready Cities project (urban drone regulation). The MAA also organises events including its annual dinner, conferences, and airshow appearances, and publishes the Midlands Aerospace Magazine. These services collectively support companies in developing new aerospace technologies, improving competitive performance, and winning new business.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MAA Members Directory An online searchable and downloadable PDF directory of 250+ Midlands aerospace companies and their capabilities, published each summer, designed to help prime contractors and buyers identify world-class Midlands partners and suppliers for aerospace programmes and projects.
• Mentorship+ Programme Online and in-person mentorship programme designed to support leadership development among MAA member company employees, helping participants grow as effective managers and leaders in the aerospace sector.
• Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) Supply chain performance improvement programme helping MAA members enhance competitive performance, win new business, and meet the rigorous quality, delivery and operational standards required by primes and Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers through SC21 silver and gold accreditation.
• Defence Technology Exploitation (DTEP) Technology development programme supporting MAA members in developing new defence-related technologies and capabilities and accessing defence opportunities.
• Pivot into Space Cross-sector innovation programme supporting smaller companies in the Midlands to diversify into upstream space markets, providing R&D grants of £18,000-£50,000 per company alongside technical and commercial guidance, networking, and access to space industry contacts.
• Decarbonising the Midlands Aerospace Cluster (DMAC) Development programme exploring how aerospace supply chain companies in the Midlands can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to net-zero targets by 2050, including emissions reporting, decarbonisation strategy, and tactical solutions for reducing manufacturing carbon footprints.
• ASSIST Programme R&D funding matchmaking pilot programme supporting lower-tier aerospace suppliers in the West Midlands, helping companies identify UK funding mechanisms and connect with innovation support.
• Supply Chain Transition Programme Programme run in partnership with Business Growth West Midlands to help organisations enter the aerospace and space sectors, including discovery tours at airshows, expert guidance, and introductions to key industry players.
• Drone Ready Cities Project exploring how regulatory restrictions on commercial drones in urban environments could be overcome, working with Coventry City Council and funded by the Department for Business and Trade's Regulators' Pioneer Fund.
• MAA Events and Conferences MAA-organised events including the annual black-tie dinner, Farnborough and Paris airshow presence, aerospace supply chain conferences, networking events, and technology roadshows, providing business development and networking opportunities for members.
• Midlands Aerospace Magazine Published magazine and e-letter covering latest news about Midlands aerospace, member company profiles, industry trends, and MAA activities, available by subscription in PDF and print formats.
• Aerospace UP Innovation grant programme providing grants of typically £1,000 to £10,000 (with significant grants available up to £100,000) for Midlands-based aerospace SMEs, delivered by the University of Nottingham and MAA with ERDF and Midlands Engine support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Companies and research bodies awarded £763m in R&D grants between 2013/14-2021/22
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Coventry City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2024Partnership on Drone Ready Cities project exploring drone regulations and urban airspace for commercial drone delivery (£268,175 Regulators Pioneer Fund grant)
• Aerospace Wales ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK regional aerospace alliance with regular coordination and activity alignment for the benefit of members
• Farnborough Aerospace ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK regional aerospace alliance for regular coordination and activity alignment
• North West Aerospace AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK regional aerospace alliance for regular coordination and activity alignment
• West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK regional aerospace alliance for regular coordination and activity alignment
• ADS GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational aerospace and defence organisation with regular coordination on policy and industry initiatives
• European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 40+ aerospace clusters from 14 countries within and outside EU for learning and collaboration
• France ClustersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate member of France Clusters network covering 400 cluster bodies across all economic sectors
• Rail AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCluster body supporting rail sector in Midlands for cross-sector collaboration
• Rail Forum East MidlandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRail industry cluster for cross-sector collaboration in Midlands
• Motorsport Industry AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorsport sector cluster body for cross-sector collaboration in Midlands
• MedilinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare technology cluster for cross-sector collaboration in Midlands
• University of Nottingham - Institute for Aerospace Technology (IAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey academic partner delivering Aerospace UP programme, Pivot into Space, and joint events including Innovation in the Midlands Aerospace Supply Chain conference at airshows
• Department for Business and TradecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment department supporting MAA with facilitating high-profile government visitors at airshows including Prime Minister and Aerospace Minister
• UK Space AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner for Pivot into Space £1m R&D programme and Midlands Space Cluster development
• Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor R&D funding source - awarded £655m (41% of all ATI funding) to Midlands organisations 2013-2022
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegular engagement with MAA Technology Managers on Advanced Air Mobility regulation and industry development
• High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on showcasing Midlands aerospace capabilities and supporting MAA stand activities at airshows
• MAKE UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing industry association collaboration for marketing aerospace supply chain opportunities
• Midlands EnginecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Midlands Engine Observatory research identifying true scale of aerospace cluster (£5.3bn GVA, 36,500 employees, 524 firms)
• West Midlands Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership developing aerospace strategy to support smaller companies and manufacturers in West Midlands
• Business Growth West MidlandscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership on Supply Chain Transition Programme helping organisations enter aerospace and space sectors
• Michigan Aerospace Cluster (Connecticut)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransatlantic collaboration with aerospace clusters from Michigan (US) and Connecticut; similar cluster characteristics with around 300 AS9100 sites each
• Rolls-RoycecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of MAA Conference 2024 at Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre; major anchor tenant of Midlands aerospace cluster

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• France Clusters: National network of 400+ French cluster bodies across all economic sectors. MAA is an associate member; serves as a regional cluster-of-clusters counterpart for cross-European learning.
• Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association: US state-level aerospace cluster body with comparable scale (~300 AS9100 sites) to the Midlands cluster. MAA has a transatlantic collaboration; functions as a non-competing regional peer for benchmarking and knowledge exchange.

Direct peers

• European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP): Pan-European network of 40+ aerospace clusters across 14 countries. MAA is a member and uses EACP for cross-border collaboration; serves as both a coordination peer and a channel for MAA's internationalisation.
• North West Aerospace Alliance: UK regional aerospace cluster body supporting the North West England aerospace supply chain. Direct peer to MAA, providing similar business development, SC21 supply chain performance, and member capability services.
• Aerospace Wales Forum: UK regional aerospace cluster body supporting the Welsh aerospace supply chain with similar business development, supply chain performance, and airshow services. Direct counterpart to MAA in the Wales region, with regular coordination on UK cluster activity.
• Farnborough Aerospace Consortium: UK regional aerospace cluster serving the Farnborough/Hampshire aerospace community. Direct peer offering comparable membership, supply chain development, and airshow-aligned services, with which MAA coordinates UK cluster activity.
• West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF): UK regional aerospace cluster supporting the West of England aerospace supply chain. Direct peer to MAA, offering comparable membership, supply chain, and airshow coordination services with which MAA coordinates UK cluster activity.

Others

• High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC): UK network of manufacturing technology centres collaborating with MAA on airshow stand activities and capability showcases. Provides shared infrastructure rather than competing services, making it an adjacent enabler.
• Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI): UK R&D funding body that has channelled £655m (41% of all ATI funding) to Midlands organisations via MAA-supported programmes. A key funding partner rather than direct peer, but a critical enabler of MAA's technology development work.

Broad incumbents

• ADS Group: UK national trade body for aerospace, defence, security, and space industries. Broader incumbent that operates across all UK regions; MAA partners with ADS on policy and industry initiatives while focusing narrowly on the Midlands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MAAaero
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/midlands-aerospace-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Midlands Aerospace Alliance