The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to announce their partnership with global engineering giant, GKN Aerospace.

In a recent visit to the Museum, the CEO and President of GKN Aerospace were given a tour of the impressive exhibits by trustee Paul Edwards MBE and CEO of the Museum, Lucy Johnson.  Blown away by the depth of content in the Museum and the passion the team have to make the Museum the best that it can be, GKN Aerospace will now join the Museum as a Corporate Partner and have also given their support to the annual fundraiser ‘Wallop Wheels & Wings’ by becoming a Platinum sponsor for next year’s event on Saturday 13 July 2024.

The story of GKN Aerospace was forged in the first fires of the Industrial Revolution and is a story of change and innovation much similar in style to that of British Army flying. 

Few could imagine from small beginnings in 1759 in Dowlais, South Wales, just how this small business would develop during the next 250 years.  The first half of the twentieth century saw GKN heavily involved in wartime production with plants becoming controlled establishments, producing steel for a range of military use under the direction of the UK Ministry of Munitions.  When war broke out again in 1939, GKN again made a full contribution with their Hadley Works producing Spitfires and the company producing steel, forgings, fasteners, and millions of steel helmets.  GKN emerged from wartime as Britain’s biggest steel producer, so it is with great pride that they partner the Hampshire Museum which tells the story of British Army flying from the early days of military ballooning through to the modern Army Air Corps.

 Army Flying Museum Chief Executive, Lucy Johnson, said: “At the Army Flying Museum we are always looking to invite like-minded companies to join us as Corporate Partners and associate with our brand of courage and innovation. We are delighted to announce our new corporate partnership with GKN Aerospace, who are a real driving force in the Defence and Aerospace sector and we look forward to a close working relationship with them.”

The company who are committed to developing the engineers of tomorrow and becoming the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky, will also be attending the Museum’s Wallop Wheels and Wings event in 2024 with some exciting hands-on activities in the STEM zone.

Peter Dilnot CEO GKN Aerospace said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with the Army Flying Museum. GKN Aerospace's history is strongly connected with the development of UK aerospace technology and innovation, and we fully support the Museum's dedication to preserving the legacy of British Army flying. We are proud to become a corporate partner and to support 'Wallop Wheels & Wings.' This partnership is a testament to our shared passion for military aviation."