28 October 2004

While at the facility the Duke of York will discuss the technologies and systems provided by Smiths for military and civil aircraft and engines, from fighters and transport to large civil, regional and business jets, as well as research and development endeavors.

In a speech given this week by The Duke of York during a visit to Moscow (25 October 2004), he commented, "My message to British businesses as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade & Investment is that recent history has shown that we live in a truly global and inter-dependent world - trade and investment are just a small part of this - bringing nations, businesses and individuals closer together. In today's world trading environment, where business and investment within Europe alone, is ever more mobile our home market must be understood in its context as the fourth largest economy in that global economy."

The Duke of York served in the Royal Navy for 22 years. He was appointed to join the Ministry of Defence, London, in January 1997 as a staff officer in the Directorate of Naval Operations with specific responsibility for Frigate and Destroyer aviation. In January 1999, the Royal Navy announced that he was to be promoted to Commander and take up an appointment within the Diplomacy Section of the Naval Staff. In December 2000 it was announced that The Duke of York would conclude this appointment in April 2001, before he formally left the Royal Navy at the end of July 2001.

Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with sales approaching $2 billion and more than 10,000 staff split between Europe and North America. Smiths holds key positions in the supply chains on all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufactures. Strategically organized businesses focus on digital, electrical and mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services.

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