In February 2004, Boeing made a major commitment to the UK’s aerospace sector by signing an agreement with QinetiQ for testing new and derivative aircraft in the company’s 5-metre wind tunnel based in Farnborough.

The 5-metre wind tunnel represents a significant national capability, which, over the past quarter century, has made a significant contribution to the development of many aircraft currently flying today. Boeing has for some time been the primary user of the facility and to date a number of Boeing programmes, including the 777 family, the Next Generation 737 family and the 747-8 have benefited from the use of the facility to design high lift systems for improved takeoff and landing performance.

The agreement has allowed Boeing to secure the availability of a long-standing national facility and outlines the company’s continuing commitment to UK aerospace.