It has more than 1,000 member companies across its sectors, including some of the UK's largest manufacturers, like Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Meggitt PLC and GKN.

Its current published priority issues are around developing industrial strategy, productivity supply chain improvements, public procurement, and delivering net zero carbon by 2050.

It also runs the annual United Kingdom Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge, a competition for secondary school student teams.

All groups deliver activities that are led by members, and cover areas including aerospace exports, aircraft interiors, maritime, training and simulation, and environmental issues.

The head office is situated on the Albert Embankment (A3036), on the opposite side of the Thames to Millbank Tower, and next to the headquarters of the London Fire Brigade and the United Nations' International Maritime Organization, east of Lambeth Bridge.

A number of Boards and Committees oversee specific areas of work, such as membership, business ethics, and civil aviation safety.

In 2019, speakers included Colin P. Smith, BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn and former Home Secretary Alan Johnson.