Talparc
Official statement is for his contribution to innovations in aviation or something like that.
But in reality he brings home lot of bacon
- Expats bring back lot of dough (other than FC/CCs most are not employable)
- Revenue to RR
- Revenue to Airbus UK A380 wings and others
- EK's most of
PR fluff($2B) spent thru UK, like marketing agencies, media outlets, rating agencies, independent analysts, brand management, reputation management ...
So there is no question about his contribution to UK's economy.
Not so sure about his contribution to world aviation though.