28 March 2020:In a time when the whole world is fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, the aerospace industries have played their part well. Almost all the airlines, airports and MRO industries have come out with a public statement to tackle the disease. Below is the statement by Rolls-Royce on UK Civil Aerospace facilities
"Our priority since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak has been to ensure the wellbeing of all our employees. We have been actively implementing government guidelines throughout our global facilities, particularly those relating to social distancing, including in the UK where our manufacturing sites have to date remained fully operational.
We have now decided to significantly reduce all but essential activity within our UK Civil Aerospace facilities for one week from midnight on 27 March. Our colleagues will continue to be paid. This move will enable us to confirm the effectiveness of the measures taken to date and enhance our processes in order to sustain modified operations and activities over a longer period. This will allow us to focus on supporting customers and vital services, including air freight operations, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we will continue to maintain our critical capability that ensures airlines can continue to operate.
The UK Government has designated Rolls-Royce as a key supplier for the UK military and therefore we plan for our Defence facilities in the UK to remain operational. We will continue to supply and support the engines that power military aircraft, naval vessels and other vehicles, many of which are being called upon to assist the relief effort, while observing all Government health and safety guidance."