Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

ADS wins CQI award for SC21

ADS today celebrated the 2024 CQI International Outstanding Achievement Award for its SC21 Competitiveness Programme at the CQI Awards last night.



Image courtesy ADS

This prestigious award from the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) acknowledges the programme’s exceptional impact on enhancing quality throughout the UK aerospace and defence supply chains.

The SC21 Competitiveness Programme was honoured for its contribution to improving quality standards within the supply chain to empower UK SMEs to become more competitive and resilient in a global market.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Built on 18+ years of success, the programme operates using continuous improvement. Through a new self-assessment tool and full assessment followed by the deployment of an individually focused Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan and enhanced learning from a comprehensive library of 110+ improvement modules, participants can systematically build capability for improved operational excellence through quality and delivery performance.

SC21 Programme optimises the customer-supplier relationship for mutual benefit and is supported and recognised by leading Primes and OEMs and our regional partners. This award recognised the programme’s dedication to fostering industry buy-in and supporting supplier development to position the programme as a leading model for quality excellence and innovation.

Colin Hart, ADS Competitiveness Programme Director said: "We are delighted to receive the 2024 International Outstanding Achievement Award from the CQI. As we strive to meet the future challenges of net zero and global insecurity, the demands for competitive supply chains are multi-faceted and ever increasing. Quality remains a fundamental cornerstone in determining value, supply chain performance and safety.

"Since its launch, the SC21 programme has helped over 1,000 SMEs achieve internationally recognised supply chain performance, not only by helping them thoroughly understand their own business performance but also identifying and implementing the right steps to improve their efficiency, productivity and resilience.

"We take immense pride in the SC21 programme’s focus on evidenced quality performance, so this award not only recognises that success but more importantly the achievements of its participants who achieve consistent high-performance standards, not only of quality but also delivery and business capability."

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Vince Desmond, CEO the Chartered Quality Institute said: “This is a richly deserved and, some might say, overdue recognition of the impact of the ADS Competitiveness Programme. In addition to acknowledging the great work by ADS, we hope this initiative provides a benchmark for other sectors in the development of quality management especially in terms of how to gain industry buy in, how to make it accessible to the supply chain, and how to develop and promote good practice through capability development support services.”

ADS is committed to driving quality improvements and competitive standards in UK supply chains. As our sectors look to the future, the SC21 Competitiveness Programme will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping resilient, high-performing supply chains.

SC21: now part of the ADS SCS Framework
SC21 provides an accessible platform for suppliers to develop and promote best practices, thereby raising their overall capabilities. It is now a cornerstone of the Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) Framework, an enhanced cross sector programme led by industry through a partnership delivery model, facilitated by ADS in partnership with Regional Aerospace Alliances. The framework enables suppliers to improve their competitive performance, highlights innovation funding and helps SMEs build maturity in sustainability and wider ESG goals.

You can find out more about the SC21 Competitiveness Programme and SCS Framework here:
www.scsframework.org.uk

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
NPAS recognised with national award for £100m Fleet Replacement Programme

Aerospace

NPAS recognised with national award for £100m Fleet Replacement Programme

25 March 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS), together with colleagues from Blue Light Commercial (BLC), were honoured by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Operations Committee for their work on the UK’s £100 million police helicopter fleet replacement programme, with an award presented by Chief Constable BJ Harrington QPM, Chair of the ...

Manchester Airport hosts annual Meet The Buyers event

Aerospace Events

Manchester Airport hosts annual Meet The Buyers event

25 March 2026

Representatives from more than 270 small and medium sized businesses attended Manchester Airport’s annual ‘Meet The Buyers’ exhibition at the Runway Visitor Park yesterday, taking the opportunity to meet face-to-face with procurement teams from 28 major players in the aviation and hospitality industries.

CAA selects NERL for UK Airspace Design Service

Aerospace

CAA selects NERL for UK Airspace Design Service

25 March 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided to proceed with its proposals to require NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) to provide the UK Airspace Design Service.

Milestone reached with expansion of FRA over Scotland

Aerospace

Milestone reached with expansion of FRA over Scotland

24 March 2026

UK airspace modernisation has passed a major milestone with the expansion of Free Route Airspace (FRA) across Scottish Upper Airspace, delivering significant environmental and operational benefits for the aviation industry.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Global carbon standard reveals latest airport climate action worldwide

Aerospace

Global carbon standard reveals latest airport climate action worldwide

24 March 2026

Airports Council International has today published the annual results on carbon performance and participation trends for its global carbon management standard for airports, Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Aircraft orders in February hit three-year high

Aerospace

Aircraft orders in February hit three-year high

24 March 2026

Commercial aircraft orders grew by 83% in February 2026 compared to February 2025 figures, marking the strongest February orderbook since 2023 according to trade association ADS.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner