✈️ Lighter, Stronger, Smarter: How Composites Are Shaping the Future of Aviation

In a sector where every kilogram matters, composite materials have become more than just a design choice—they’re a strategic necessity.

From commercial jets to advanced unmanned aircraft, composites are redefining what's possible in aviation, enabling faster, lighter, and more sustainable flight. And with that comes a growing demand for new skills, fresh talent, and a workforce that can keep pace with this material revolution.

At Mara Recruit, we partner with aerospace manufacturers, MRO providers, and innovation hubs to source the next generation of engineers, technicians, and composite specialists.

🛠️ What Are Composites—And Why Do They Matter?

Composites are materials made from two or more constituent elements with different physical or chemical properties.

In aviation, the most common are carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP), often combined with epoxy resins.

Why they matter:

• Stronger than metals for their weight

• Corrosion-resistant

• Highly design-flexible

• Contribute to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions

  
  

Today, modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350 are composed of over 50% composite material by weight—a figure expected to rise in next-gen aircraft.

🚀 The Evolution of Composites in Aviation

The composites industry is advancing rapidly across several fronts:

1. Automated Fibre Placement (AFP)

Robotic systems now lay composite fibres with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and improving strength.

2. Thermoplastics vs Thermosets

Thermoplastic composites are gaining traction due to faster manufacturing times and better recyclability, making them ideal for high-rate production.

3. Digital Twins & Material Simulation

Software can now predict material behaviour under stress, reducing the need for costly physical prototyping.

4. Sustainable Composites

The industry is exploring bio-based resins and recyclable matrices to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

👷 The Talent Behind the Technology

As composite materials evolve, so must the skills of the workforce that supports them.

In-demand roles in 2025 include:

• Composite technicians – lay-up, trimming, bonding, curing

• Materials engineers – specialising in CFRP, prepregs, nano-enhanced materials

• NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) specialists – skilled in ultrasonic, thermographic, and shearography techniques

• Manufacturing engineers – trained in AFP, autoclaves, and out-of-autoclave methods

• CAD/CAM designers – familiar with simulation of composite structures

  
  

At Mara Recruit, we don’t just look at CVs—we evaluate skills, certifications (like NADCAP or EASA Part 21), hands-on experience, and adaptability to meet evolving tech demands.

🔍 Skills Shortage: A Clear and Present Risk

Despite rising demand, the UK’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors are experiencing a talent shortfall in composite engineering and production roles. Factors include:

• An ageing workforce

• Lack of composite training in traditional academic paths

• Rapid pace of material innovation outstripping supply of trained professionals

  
  

Mara Recruit addresses this by:

• Promoting roles to STEM career changers and returners

• Working with technical colleges and training centres

• Supporting diverse and inclusive recruitment across the aerospace supply chain

  
  

✈️ Final Thought: Composites Are the Future—Is Your Team Ready?

As aircraft become lighter, greener, and smarter, composite materials will play a leading role in aviation’s transformation.

But it’s not just about the materials—it’s about the people who shape, inspect, and innovate with them.

At Mara Recruit, we’re helping aviation employers find and develop the talent needed to lead the next chapter in aerospace manufacturing.

📩 Looking for composite specialists? Let’s talk. We’ll help you build a workforce that’s not only qualified—but future-ready.