The West Midlands' biggest investment opportunity for aerospace companies has been promoted at the world's largest airshow - Farnborough.

The i54 site on the Wolverhampton-South Staffordshire border is being marketed by regional development Advantage West Midlands and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance as a major opportunity for global aerospace companies.

The Farnborough Air Show is thought to have attracted more than 300,000 international visitors before it closed its gates yesterday.

The £67 million 220-acre i54 site is currently going through planning applications and, in the meantime, Advantage West Midlands and the Wolverhampton Telford Technology Corridor are working to secure occupants for the site.

Jim Coyle, Advantage West Midlands aerospace cluster manager, said: "Wolverhampton is already a recognised centre of excellence for the aerospace industry so it makes perfect sense for a major investment by a world leader in aerospace at i54.

"Proposals for the site include a 'Technology Gateway' of iconic buildings for high-technology companies and business support services, high quality offices and a small business village which will be attractive to smaller suppliers and companies."

Andrew Mair, chief executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: "Farnborough Airshow is a valuable opportunity for us to showcase the region's strengths in this sector.

"In the West Midlands there are 450 aerospace companies employing more than 25,000 workers which is forecast to continue increasing. As well as promoting i54, the Midlands Aerospace Alliance is also promoting some of the leading regional companies in the sector on the global stage."

I54 is being developed by Advantage West Midlands in conjunction with a range of local partners including Wolverhampton City Council and South Staffordshire Council.

The three planning applications submitted to the two local authorities were: * Outline planning application for a Strategic Employment Area comprising offices and workspaces, industrial units, education and research, ancillary services, open space and associated highways, footpaths and landscaping. * Detailed planning application for site preparation works comprising site remediation, groundworks, provision of infrastructure and landscaping including provision of ecological habitats. * Detailed planning application for a motorway access.

Minor site remediation work will continue throughout the year and road safety improvements along Wobaston Road and at the Vine Island will be undertaken as the development proceeds.

The i54 site is the largest development of its type in the West Midlands and is a priority project for the Wolver-hampton Telford Technology Corridor.