Sponsoring Companies

If you’re interested in getting involved as a sponsoring company, then join us here.

Flying Start Challenge is currently run by the following engineering companies:

Airbus are at the forefront of innovation and a proven leader in global aerospace. Airbus designs, manufactures and delivers cutting-edge commercial aircraft, helicopters, military transporters, satellites and launch vehicles, as well as providing data services, navigation, cyber and communications security, urban mobility and other solutions for customers on a global scale. At Airbus, we draw on each other’s expertise and experience and put our passion and determination into exploring sustainable aerospace developments. We connect to the best minds. We make bold decisions. We find smart solutions. We get the world’s most advanced technologies off the ground.

Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary engineering consultancy in Europe, and provides skills and solutions to a wide variety of clients. Atkins Aerospace business has offices throughout the world and specialises in delivering tailored solutions to its clients, with a strong focus on innovation and programme management.

BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, and employs 83,100 people in over 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, the company develops, engineers, manufactures and supports products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
GKN Aerospace is a first tier supplier to the global aviation industry. A leader in the manufacture of highly complex composite and metallic aerostructures and engine products, the company is equally focused on military and civil markets. GKN has a network of more than 58,000 employees across over 30 countries at the forefront of technology.
Leonardo employs around 7,000 people throughout the UK, 67% of whom hold highly skilled positions. It is one of the largest employers of engineering apprentices and graduates in the UK, with some 415 people on undergraduate, graduate and apprentice training programmes. The company’s apprenticeship programme was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED.
MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. It is a multi-national company made up of over 10,000 employees working across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the US. It is also the first truly integrated European defence company.

Rolls-Royce is one of the world’s leading producers of aero engines for large civil aircraft and corporate jets. It is the second largest provider of defence aero engines in the world. Rolls-Royce is well established in the marine sector where it designs vessels and integrates power systems. It has a growing presence in civil nuclear power, drawing on its skills and experience of over 50 years in powering nuclear submarines.

Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, and part of the Safran international group. Company capabilities range from design and manufacture to in-service support, repair and overhaul. It is a partner to 30 leading commercial, military, business and regional airframers, and supports more than 27,000 aircraft making over 54,000 landings every day. Safran group operates in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets with a global presence of more than 92,000 employees working in locations across Europe, North America and Asia.