Susan Partridge (engineer)

Partridge received her MA in Engineering from the University of Cambridge. She then obtained an MSc in Aerospace Manufacturing and Management with Distinction from the University of Bristol. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management with Distinction from the Open University.^[1]

Partridge's career with Airbus began in 1989 when she joined the company as an undergraduate engineering apprentice. In 2010, Partridge led wing development activities for the A320neo and A330neo programmes. The two models delivered crucial upgrades to the wing design, which had many benefits due to their lighter weight than previous designs.^[2]

In 2017, Partridge was appointed Head of the Wing of Tomorrow (WoT) programme. The programme is Airbus' largest research and technology initiative, focused on developing advanced wing technologies for future aircraft generations. The programme has received substantial funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute, with £117 million awarded since 2014, highlighting its importance to the UK's aerospace industry.^[3] In November 2023, she has spoken on the research Wing of Tomorrow is conducting into zero emission flights.^[4] Her work in aviation has led to industry recognition, including becoming a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2024.^[5]