General Atomics

Stansted ESD barrier free system set to go live

London Stansted Airport has confirmed its new barrierless system for vehicles using its Express Set Down (ESD) area is set to go live on 22nd January 2025.



Image courtesy MAG

The new system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and is designed to simplify the drop off and pick up process as drivers pass through the area more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping improve traffic flow and reducing congestion.

The ESD charge will need to be paid by midnight the day after making the drop-off, either online at pay.stanstedairport.com or by phone (0345 017 5046).

No payments will be able to be made when exiting the area and vehicles must not be left unattended at any time while in the drop off area.

Frequent users, including taxi drivers, can register for an account to automatically pay for any ESD visits, with full details available on the airport’s website – Express Set Down – Stansted Airport – while discounts for eligible local residents will be unaffected by the change.

Prominent signage is in place in the ESD area to remind drivers of the new system.

Anita Harrison, London Stansted’s Customer Operations Director, said: “Following our initial announcement last December of our intention to introduce a new barrierless access for vehicles using the ESD, I’m please to confirm the system will go live on 22nd January.

“The ANPR technology will make dropping-off and picking up passengers quicker and more convenient, reducing driver waiting times and helping improve passenger flows and that is why we are confident it will improve the overall experience for users."

Related

British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Tpr Harvey Chilman, Queen's Royal Hussars, flew his FPV drone to strike an enemy position during 'Drone Wars' competition. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/British Army
British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Held at Sandhurst, the competition showcased how drones are being integrated into reconnaissance, targeting and support roles as the Army adapts to emerging battlefield technologies.
Aerospace Defence

6 Oct 2026

Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
As part of its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) expansion plans, Ontic has opened a new 72,000sq ft facility in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
Aerospace Member News

6 Oct 2026

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Forfield alliance targets stronger supply chains for UK defence organisations
Forfield – Kuehne+Nagel, TVS SCS, Atos, Turner & Townsend collaboration delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions for the Defence sector.
Forfield alliance targets stronger supply chains for UK defence organisations
Forfield has been launched by four industry partners to improve supply chain visibility, resilience and equipment availability for UK defence organisations.
Defence

6 Oct 2026

British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Tpr Harvey Chilman, Queen's Royal Hussars, flew his FPV drone to strike an enemy position during 'Drone Wars' competition. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/British Army
British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Held at Sandhurst, the competition showcased how drones are being integrated into reconnaissance, targeting and support roles as the Army adapts to emerging battlefield technologies.
Aerospace Defence

6 Oct 2026

Tories pledge £10bn for “Britannia Shield” missile and drone defence system
Live firing tests of precision missile
Tories pledge £10bn for “Britannia Shield” missile and drone defence system
Growing concern over drone and missile threats has intensified the debate around UK air defence, with "Britannia Shield" intended to strengthen protection for critical national infrastructure and military sites.
Defence

6 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
OneWeb satellites in transport container at Airbus
Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
Member News Space

5 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
An MQ-9B
GA-ASI demos disaster relief comms system
Working with SoftBank Corp., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated the successful integration of a new communications payload into its unmanned MQ-9B platform, designed for situations where cellular services are unavailable.
Leonardo DRS sets up UK subsidiary and launches tactical radar production
Tactical Expeditionary Radars
Leonardo DRS sets up UK subsidiary and launches tactical radar production
Leonardo DRS has established DRS UK and launched local production of tactical radars for counter-UAS, air defence and force protection.
Defence Security

6 Oct 2026