Royal Aeronautical Society Heathrow Branch February 2020 Lecture -
"The Future of Aerospace: Known Knowns and Known Unknowns"
by Sir Brian Burridge FRAeS, Chief Executive, Royal Aeronautical Society


ABSTRACT:
There are clearly some future trends that will undoubtedly affect the aerospace and aviation sectors in years to come such as passenger growth, climate change and shifts in global economic power. Perhaps more a compelling aspect is the inexorable march of science and technology, now encapsulated in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The application of machine learning, artificial intelligence and quantum science could be truly transformational, but it would be easy to jump on the bandwagon of ‘Gee, yes!’ rather than, ‘Why, how much?” or, more importantly, ‘Is it safe?’

This lecture will look at the global backdrop against which these novel technologies will operate, assess the chances of success in some of the more advanced propositions and consider what it will all mean to the future human dimension in our sectors. It will conclude with some thoughts on what the Royal Aeronautical Society should be doing in order to stay relevant in response to this massive change.


ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Sir Brian Burridge was appointed as Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society from 1 October 2018. Most recently an independent consultant, until 2016, Sir Brian spent 10 years with Leonardo, a top ten global high-tech manufacturer in the aerospace, defence and technology sectors, rising to the position of Senior Vice President. During that time, he chaired two of the Group’s businesses and held board positions in the trade association, ADS, and the Defence Growth Partnership where he also chaired its innovation hub.

Earlier, Sir Brian spent a full career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force holding a frontline command at every level in the Service, including the national joint command in the 2003 Iraq war. He also spent a number of years in the UK Ministry of Defence in policy posts and left the RAF in 2006 as Commander-in-Chief Strike Command.

Sir Brian read physics and electronic engineering at Manchester University and holds an MBA from the Open University and two honorary doctorates. He was previously a research fellow in political science at King’s College London and is now a visiting professor at the University of Reading.