Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

Engineering and manufacturing specialist, Airframe Designs, has announced a strategic rebrand to AFD Systems, reflecting the company’s expanded lines of business, services, broader sector reach and long-term growth ambitions.

Image courtesy AFD Systems 

The new name reflects the company’s evolution from a niche airframe design consultancy into a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, serving the worldwide aerospace and defence sectors, and other emerging industries. 

Since launching in 2009, AFD Systems has successfully completed over 600 projects across a plethora of air, land and sea platforms. The company employs over 30 specialists within modern headquarters at Blackpool Airport’s Enterprise Zone, with a customer base that includes BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing and Orbex.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The change was driven for the brand to better reflect the broader range of market leading services it offers and to embrace immediate and future opportunities within this expanded scope. 

Jerrod Hartley, founder and CEO, said: “While airframe engineering remains a core strength, we now offer a far broader range of support across systems integration, design, analysis and advanced manufacturing.  

“We also operate across multiple sectors, many of which do not identify with the term ‘airframe’. The new name is a natural evolution and better reflects who we are, what we do and where we are heading.”

Alongside the name change, AFD Systems has refreshed its brand identity and launched a new website. 

Jerrod added: “As customers increasingly seek partners capable of integrating complex systems across multiple platforms, systems integration and high-integrity testing will play a central role in our development. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

“It is often said but we genuinely have an industry-leading team here, committed to innovation and excellence. 

“Continued investment in our people, training and apprenticeships remains a priority for the business as we develop and add the skills needed to continue to help world-leading organisations solve complex engineering challenges.

“We are also continuing research into the safe and effective application of AI, alongside innovation in additive manufacturing technologies.”

In addition to supporting industry-leading customers in aerospace and defence, AFD Systems is increasingly operating in similar complex sectors including space, nuclear, rail, maritime, medical and motorsport. 

Jerrod said: “Space is one of the UK’s most exciting growth sectors. We are partnering with a number of leading UK space organisations in this sector, while also deepening our involvement in the nuclear sector. Nuclear is a major growth area for the UK and one where we are well equipped to support safety-critical engineering. This is an exciting time for AFD Systems and for our people.”

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

Aerospace

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

1 April 2026

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA Technologies, today announced the successful completion of the UK's first electric flight demonstration programme across Scotland's regional air network.

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

Aerospace

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

1 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3 million investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

31 March 2026

Rolls-Royce has secured €64million in funding from the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) to lead UNIFIED (Ultra Novel and Innovative Fully Integrated Engine Demonstrations), a collaborative research project supporting the development and planned ground testing of the UltraFan 30 demonstrator.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

Aerospace

IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

31 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for February 2026 showing global passenger demand was up 6.1% and air cargo demand rose by 11.2%, compared to February 2025 levels.

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

Aerospace

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

31 March 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published its Initial Proposals for the maximum fees that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) can charge airlines for using the airport for the H8 regulatory period, which runs from January 2027 until the end of 2031.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner