A stator vane assembly includes: inner and outer vane supports, and vanes extending radially between the supports. The supports have openings for receiving the ends of the vanes, and each vane is connected to the supports by a vane boot. Each vane boot has: a rim portion shaped to locate the boot within the corresponding opening in the vane support, the rim portion engaging with the inner surface defining the opening, an abutting portion for abutting against the vane support in the region surrounding the opening, and a vane pocket for accommodating the end of the vane. The vane pockets of the vane boots are shaped so as to position the vane with a predetermined stagger angle.