Smiths Detection announced today that its SDX 10080 SCT has received UK Department for Transport (DfT) approval for deployment across UK airports and cargo operators for hold baggage and air cargo screening.

Antevia Networks today announced that it has successfully achieved accreditation for JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register), a collaborative tool used by a growing number of prime contractors and buyers in the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information.

Aston University has secured almost £4 million in new funding to improve the UK’s aerospace engineering and cybersecurity skills.

Marshall Aerospace has successfully completed a flight dynamics and control model to support Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7, a revolutionary dual-use hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft currently in prototype development.

NATS has committed £500k to carbon removals through carbon removals intelligence provider CUR8, contributing to an initiative led by the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition, to stimulate the carbon removals market as part of a £2 million Advance Market Signal.

Cambridge biotechnology company HutanBio, which is developing algae-derived oils for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), has signed its first commercial offtake Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman's Wakud International, as the aviation industry searches for new feedstock sources capable of supporting future SAF demand.

Tekever and Sapient Perception have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the integration and evaluation of Sapient Perception’s 10K camera system on Tekever uncrewed aerial systems.

Walney School in Barrow-in-Furness is going to be introducing an innovative employer-led technical education pathway in September, which aims to equip young people with the skills for high-quality careers and to help local employers tackle skills shortages.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Defence Connect have announced a partnership which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators in Westminster to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in defence.

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

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).

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 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 (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.

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.

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.

According to the latest data from ADS - the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries - commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for this month, in a decade.

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response.

Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture.

Oxford based Jet Maintenance International (JMI)has been awarded TFE731 Line Maintenance Plus and APU Line Authorised Channel Partner status by Honeywell Aerospace.

The Civil Aviation Bill, now going through second reading and announced in the King’s Speech in May, will support the modernisation of UK airspace, enhance safety standards and give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) new enforcement powers, including to fine the minority of airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers.

Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) has partnered with two Wildlife Trusts to help remove carbon emissions.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026, showing that due to conflict in the Middle East, total global air cargo was up 4.0%, whilst global passenger demand was down -3.4% compared to April 2025.

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is introducing its CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal, an advanced air flow-through (AFT) sealing solution that meets the mechanical and interface requirements of ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026.

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 across its manufacturing operations, marking a major milestone in its long-term Journey to Zero in a traditionally energy-intensive sector.

Viasat has collaborated with TTP and Frequentis, under the European Space Agency (ESA) Iris programme, on an Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial.

Aeromedic - a provider of in-flight emergency medical and first aid kits - has introduced enhanced soft-case first aid kits, to meet regulatory and airline requirements.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional Airbus A350F freighters.

New UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data released today shows more than 61 million passengers travelled through UK airports in the first three months of this year, breaking previous records for travel between January and March.

Almost 98% of UK flights operated punctually in April, according to figures from UK air traffic controller NATS.

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

BAE Systems' tech specialist Iain Minton has been appointed to chair a new coalition of manufacturing and industrial technology experts helping SMEs tackle the challenges and opportunities created by AI, automation and digital transformation.

Ontic has announced the appointment of Jean-Christophe (JC) Gallagher as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as the company builds on a sustained period of strong growth.

AMETEK MRO's Muirhead Avionics, announced today that it has entered into a long term agreement with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) to become an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics products formerly developed under Honeywell product lines and now fully supported by IA.

UK hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy (IE), has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance (HIA), which brings together companies from across aerospace, including Airbus, Bristol Airport, easyJet, GKN Aerospace and Rolls-Royce, to help align the technology, infrastructure and regulation needed to make commercial hydrogen flight ...

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has today launched the latest UK technology strategy targeting a generational prize of doubling the UK aerospace sector's market value to $18 billion (£13.44bn) by 2035 and increasing by over four times, to $41 billion (£30.6bn), by 2050.

Analysis from aviation intelligence company IBA, has found that global aviation carbon intensity improved from 860 gCO₂ per revenue tonne-kilometre (RTK) in 2018 to 690 gCO₂/RTK by September 2025 - an efficiency improvement of 20% - but that flight activity growth is offsetting those operational gains.

Architecture, engineering and consulting firm Egis has appointed Shakir Khaja as Aviation Sector Director for Europe and Africa, to oversee the firm’s expansion across the airport sector, with a strategic focus on the UK, Ireland and wider European market.

Teams from right across London Stansted have come together this week to mark UK Airports Health & Safety Week 2026, with a wide ranging programme of events focused on keeping people safe at work and supporting health and wellbeing.

A YouGov poll of people in the West of England has found that twice as many support the expansion of Bristol Airport’s capacity than oppose.

Iridium Communications Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aireon LLC, operator of the world's only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system, with the transaction unifying the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system with the satellite network it was ...

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on a shortlist of regulatory models that could apply to capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport.

Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS assumes the Presidency of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) - the oldest aeronautical society in the world and the only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community - taking up the post of President following the formal announcement at the Society’s AGM this month.

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

A bumper Easter getaway helped London Stansted record its busiest ever April as the airport welcomed more than 2.6m passengers during the month.

Expanding its time-critical logistics portfolio, Chapman Freeborn OBC is launching Next Flight Out (NFO), a new premium service designed to complement its established on-board courier expertise and provide clients with greater flexibility for urgent international shipments.

Red Hat today announced it is helping EUROCONTROL deliver a unified digital platform to enhance organisational resilience and accelerate innovation in air traffic management, replacing 25-year-old legacy systems using Red Hat OpenShift.

Business development consultancy Intralink, has been appointed by Silicon Valley battery specialist Amprius Technologies, to deepen its presence in South Korea, one of Asia’s most active markets for drones, robotics and advanced mobility.

Trafford & Stockport College Group and Manchester Airports Group (MAG) are celebrating after winning a prestigious Educate North Award (ENA), recognising the success of the Manchester Airport Skills Hub partnership.

Airports Health and Safety Week was launched today at Luton Airport and will be taking place at sites up and down the country until Friday 15th May.

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE)  celebrated the achievements of its second cohort of 20 students at Hereford Cathedral on 9th May, who graduated with either a BEng (Hons) or MEng (Hons) Integrated Engineering degree, with companies such as Airbus and BAE Systems among those now hiring NMITE ...

April passenger numbers decreased by 5% year on year to 6.7 million, reflecting the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets and short-term adjustments to travel plans, yet underlying demand remained resilient, with strong transfer passenger demand continuing into April with a 10% increase year on year.

Britten-Norman has delivered a BN2T-4S Islander to Xen Aviation & Services Inc. (Xen Aviation), marking the operator’s introduction of its first Islander aircraft as it prepares to launch regional operations in Guyana.

Andover based LEDsynergy, a long-established UK manufacturer of LED display solutions, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with India’s LED display manufacturer LEDX Technology, marking a significant step forward in its global production strategy.

UK based designer and manufacturer of high-tech ergonomic optical and digital inspection, metrology systems and bespoke engineering solutions, Vision Engineering Group, has revealed its expansive showcase for the upcoming Smart Factory Expo, taking place next month at the NEC in Birmingham from 3rd-4th June 2026.

Amazon has begun conducting drone parcel delivery flights out of its Darlington fulfilment centre in County Durham, with the northern town becoming the first location in the UK from which the retailer has launched Prime Air services using the MK30, Amazon's most advanced drone yet.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made changes to the air traffic services licence held by NATS, with the new regulatory framework enabling NATS to begin delivering the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), establishing new responsibilities for NATS in airspace design and coordination, alongside arrangements to support airports in progressing ...

Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft, which is the largest single firm order placed for the A220 and propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.

Voyant today announced the appointment of James Norwood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Horsham based Weald Electronics Ltd, a major UK manufacturer of electrical connectors and accessories for defence and demanding industrial applications established on 27th April 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Cross Manufacturing has announced that its Devizes North site has successfully achieved AS9100 certification, completing a key stage of the company’s strategic expansion to support customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) welcomed multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights to Downtown Skyport - New York’s first - during Joby’s '2026 Electric Skies Tour' New York City Flight Campaign, which took place between 23rd April - 1st May 2026.

Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the Government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector today, whilst also aiming to crack down on the illegal uses of drones.

Manchester based EDM Ltd, which designs and manufactures advanced training simulators for the civil aviation and defence sectors, has announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

Viasat today announced L2 Aviation has joined its Velaris ecosystem via Galaxy 1 Communications, bringing advanced avionics integration and certification expertise to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aviation.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) supported South Wales Police during a targeted operation in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to tackle the illegal and anti‑social use of electric bikes and motorbikes.

A new guide has been published by Made Smarter to help manufacturers cut through the noise around artificial intelligence (AI) and focus on what actually works on the factory floor.

Hexagon announced yesterday the successful completion of the acquisition of Inertial Sense, strengthening its assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) portfolio with tactical-grade GNSS+INS technology.

Bolton based Beldam Crossley Limited has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, recognising the company’s outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales.

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.

Rolls-Royce has been selected by LATAM Airlines to power three Boeing 787 Dreamliners with Trent 1000 XE engines.

Weston College has been named as one of the country’s new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs), securing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training for the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing.

Loganair has secured a new multiyear contract for the provision of personnel transportation flights between Aberdeen and Sumburgh in support of bp’s North Sea operations.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for March 2026 shows global passenger demand up 2.1%, as cargo demand falls by 4.8% due to disruption in the Middle East.

A medical evacuation system designed and delivered jointly by NODIN Aviation and Marshall Aerospace will remain in operational use under an extended agreement between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

According to trade association ADS, commercial aircraft orders rose 9% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to this period last year, reaching 569 orders and marking the highest order number for any Q1 since 2013, largely driven by a 25% increase in single-aisle aircraft orders, indicating that demand for short-haul travel continues to grow.

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Glasgow Airport successfully hosted a multiagency emergency training exercise on Thursday 23rd April, carried out between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

March had the busiest day of the year so far, for flights taking off from, landing into and flying through UK airspace.

Prize winners of London Luton Airport’s (LLA) ‘Reach for the Sky’ school competition, took to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime trip on Cranfield University’s Saab340B National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC).

Edinburgh Airport delivered £2.7 billion of economic value to Scotland in 2025 and supported almost 44,000 jobs, according to a new independent economic impact report.

Heathrow has revealed the 12 winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain’s export economy.

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new Managing Director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately.