Future-proofing aerospace manufacturing through innovation

Aero Magazine reports on how aerospace manufacturers are pushing boundaries with additive manufacturing, digital twins, automation and advanced materials to stay competitive. These innovations allow for faster prototyping, reduced cycle times and greater design flexibility—vital in a sector with tight tolerances and high technical demands.

By Mike Richardson – Aero Magazine

The article highlights the importance of investing in R&D and cross-industry collaboration to accelerate adoption and scale. It also warns that legacy systems and supply chain conservatism can slow diffusion of these new technologies.

For South African industry, the trends signal that local firms must embrace innovation early or risk losing ground. Equipping suppliers with skills, tooling and access to advanced systems will be a key differentiator in sustaining manufacturing competitiveness.