Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

New COO at Heathrow

Heathrow Airport Limited has announced that Chris Garton will be joining as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the spring.

Until early last year, Chris (above) was in the equivalent role at Dubai Airport, where he played a key role in growing the annual number of passengers served from 30 million to over 86 million, over a nine-year period and embedding a strong service culture across the airport.  He is currently Director of Asset Management with Associated British Ports.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Chris’s operational and international experience will complement Heathrow’s focus on passenger experience while helping us improve our cargo capabilities, a key role for the airport in a post Brexit world. His knowledge in continuous improvement and change management will ensure we continue to deliver strong and consistent performance standards across the airport.  Chris’s arrival will build on the progress we have already made in; developing our talented team; improving passenger service; lowering costs and preparing for continued growth in coming years.

Chris is one of the very few people in the world with experience of successfully running a large and constrained hub airport and Heathrow is delighted to have been able to secure a leader of his calibre.

During his career, Chris has also held a number of roles in engineering and change management at Gatwick Airport, Ineos and ICI.  He has a first-class degree in Engineering from London’s Imperial College.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Chris’s imminent arrival at Heathrow follows the appointment of Derek Provan, who has been interim COO since September, as CEO of AGS Airports. 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

5 June 2026

Smiths Detection's Explosives Detection System (EDS) HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo has progressed from the 'Approved' section to the 'Qualified' section of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

Aerospace Events

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

5 June 2026

On 1st June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

4 June 2026

Rolls-Royce has reached a major milestone for its Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine, which has delivered almost double the baseline of anticipated fuel savings during its first year in service.

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

4 June 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero. This achievement follows three consecutive years of maintaining Level 3 status.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

Aerospace Defence Events

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

4 June 2026

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has announced the first of many aircraft and teams taking part in its 2026 flying display, which is set to be its largest and most diverse in decades.

Luton Airport unveils logistics hub

Aerospace

Luton Airport unveils logistics hub

4 June 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has unveiled a new consolidation centre that is housed in one of three previously empty hangars, formerly owned by Monarch Airlines and acquired by LLA in February 2024, which will create up to 30 new jobs for local people.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB