Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Caitlin Hayden named AIA Vice President of Communications

Aerospace

Caitlin Hayden named AIA Vice President of Communications

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has appointed Caitlin Hayden, former National Security Council Spokesperson and Executive Vice President at Edelman, as its Vice President of Communications.

In this role she will lead the organisation’s outreach and communications functions and work closely with AIA member companies to tell the aerospace and defense industry’s story in the United States and around the world. She will report to AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning.

“I’m thrilled that Caitlin will be joining our team to support an industry that has inspired Americans to dream bigger and reach farther for over a century. Our member companies are inspiring the next generation of American innovators and strengthening our economic and national security. Caitlin’s talent and experience make her the ideal person to ensure this story is told effectively and to take AIA’s advocacy to the next level,” said Fanning.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Prior to joining AIA, Hayden (right) was Executive Vice President and Director of the Media Group in Edelman’s DC Office, working with a broad range of clients to develop comprehensive communications strategies to meet their business objectives, including protecting and promoting their brands and navigating regulatory, policy and crisis issues.

She also served as one of Edelman’s senior media and speech trainers, working with CEOs and spokespeople globally to refine and strengthen their message.

“As a national security wonk and professional communicator, I can’t think of a more exciting prospect than telling the story of an industry that is keeping America safe, creating American jobs, leading the world in innovation, and inspiring people to dream,” said Hayden.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Before joining Edelman, Hayden served as a Special Assistant to President Obama, the National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Communications and Press, and the National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson. In that position, she led White House messaging around foreign policy, development and global health, defense, intelligence, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Prior to the White House, Caitlin was a career civil servant at the Department of State. She joined the State Department on September 10, 2001 and spent her career there focused on public outreach, press, speechwriting and South and Central Asia policy.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB