It has been a tough year, to say the least, for the aerospace industry. For engine-maker Rolls-Royce, the Covid crisis has meant a drastic drop in production, much less income from servicing – and thousands of job cuts.
But now, at least, it has something to celebrate. It is inaugurating the world’s biggest engine testbed in its home town of Derby – the fruits of a £90m investment, which it says will safeguard world-class engine production and promote sustainable aviation in the UK for decades to come. Theo Leggett has been for a look around.
Words: Theo Leggett; Video: Peter Page