Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NATS engineer wins prestigious technology award

Aerospace

NATS engineer wins prestigious technology award

John Wheal, an air traffic engineer for the UKs leading provider of air traffic control services, NATS, has been awarded The Institution of Engineering and Technology's (IET) Technician of the Year award.

The IET’s scheme recognises the best and brightest technicians, aiming to raise the profile of the good work that apprentices and technicians contribute to engineering businesses.

John was nominated for the award because of the key role he played in ‘Springboard’; a test and development cloud-based infrastructure platform which is used to host a range of Air Traffic Management (ATM) applications.

Advertisement
Teledyne

The Springboard platform is a major milestone on the way to NATS deploying a joint aviation initiative called SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research), which aims to modernise European air traffic management systems so they’re fit for the 21st century. SESAR’s vision sees aircraft flying their preferred trajectories without being constrained by airspace configurations in the future, and Springboard is the first version of the infrastructure platform that will host the necessary technology to achieve this.

He said: “It is a complete surprise and a real honour to win this highly-regarded industry award.

“Since joining NATS I have been able to build on the technical knowledge that I learnt in my degree course and apply it to a real-world problem in a unique, safety critical environment. I look forward to seeing ‘Springboard’ progress and getting started on my next project.”
John joined NATS’ Engineering Graduate Scheme in 2016 after completing his Masters degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Portsmouth and has since been a NATS representative at various industry events; encouraging youngsters to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at school.

He was selected as the winner in the Technician category in recognition of his outstanding engineering understanding and ability of work as a role model.

Professor Jeremy Watson CBE, IET President, said: “This award recognises professionally registered technicians, whether in the engineering, technology or education support sectors. In winning this award, John has demonstrated exceptional commitment to engineering.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

“Whilst doing this, he has also proven himself to be an excellent role model for engineering and is a very worthy winner of this prize.”

Find out more about the Technician Awards here: www.theiet.org/techawards

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Flights increase as summer hots up

Aerospace

Flights increase as summer hots up

18 July 2025

UK air traffic in June increased by 2.5% on the same month last year as NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, safely handled 237,215 flights, up more than 2,600 on May.

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

Aerospace

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

17 July 2025

ZeroAvia today announced it has been awarded nine new patents this year so far, with many critical to the company’s roadmap for scaling hydrogen-electric engines for large regional aircraft.

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

Aerospace

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

17 July 2025

For the first time, the British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) joined Martyn Fiddler as joint hosts of the 13th Isle of Man Aviation Conference, bringing together 120 business aviation delegates at Douglas’ Villa Marina venue.

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

Aerospace

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

16 July 2025

An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Advertisement
ODU RT