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
Security & Policing Rectangle

“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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
OS extends DEA Aviation contract

Aerospace

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

28 January 2026

Ordnance Survey (OS), the national mapping service for Great Britain, has extended its existing framework contract with Aerial data acquisition company, DEA Aviation.

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

27 January 2026

Fenner Precision Polymers has achieved AS9100 accreditation for aerospace and defence manufacturing activities conducted on its site in Lincoln.

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

27 January 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced plans for three eateries and a new executive lounge within the Departures Lounge to open in phases during 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing transformation.

Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

Aerospace Security

Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

26 January 2026

Heathrow has now completed a £1 billion security technology upgrade, becoming the world's largest airport to fully roll out next-gen CT security scanners.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

Aerospace

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

26 January 2026

Acron Aviation today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to provide training for ANAC Brazil-licensed pilots at its London Gatwick Training Center (LTC).

Bristol Airport welcomes Jason Holt as new Chairman

Aerospace

Bristol Airport welcomes Jason Holt as new Chairman

23 January 2026

Bristol Airport Limited has announced Jason Holt as the new Chairman of the Board, taking over from Janis Kong.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB