Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Aerospace and defence professionals say project planning essential

Aerospace Defence

Aerospace and defence professionals say project planning essential

Good planning is the most important factor for preventing aerospace and defence projects from going over budget, according to new research by the Association for Project Management (APM).


Image courtesy Shutterstock

A survey conducted for APM by research company Censuswide asked project professionals whose primary project is on or under budget to specify the factors that have contributed to this. Good project planning was cited most frequently by respondents in the aerospace and defence sector, with 50% of survey respondents saying this had helped them to stick to their budget.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In addition, 52% of respondents whose main project is on or ahead of schedule said good planning was a contributing factor for this too.


 
Among project professionals whose main project is over budget, the most commonly cited contributing factor was unclear goals and objectives. Those whose primary project is over schedule most frequently cited external factors beyond the project manager’s control as a contributor.

Debbie Dore, APM’s chief executive, said: “Regardless of a project’s size or scope, a robust process for planning and review is essential.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to supporting learning and development for project professionals in the aerospace and defence sector, so that they are able to plan and review effectively to ensure that the economic and societal benefits of their work can be realised.

“APM’s innovative knowledge and research programme helps advance the art, science and practice of project management. We offer project professionals a diverse range of insights and resources to facilitate discussion, inspire improvement and assist application.”
 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
First cohort of apprentices graduates from airport management course

Aerospace

First cohort of apprentices graduates from airport management course

9 April 2026

A group of 11 apprentices have become the first to graduate from an in-depth, two-year course run in partnership by Manchester Airport and Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG).

Loganair appoints Scott Cunningham as Chief Financial Officer

Aerospace

Loganair appoints Scott Cunningham as Chief Financial Officer

8 April 2026

Loganair today confirmed that Scott Cunningham will be joining the airline as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 25 years of finance and leadership experience to the team.

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

Aerospace

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

7 April 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has completed a significant £18 million investment in resurfacing its runway.

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

Aerospace

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

7 April 2026

Bristol Airport is looking to offer new destinations around the world under plans submitted to North Somerset Council, that will enable it to expand services to meet customer demand and support economic regional growth.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

7 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Latha Narayan as its President for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner