Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

Altair to support Manta Aircraft’s ANN

Altair is to provide strategic support for Manta Aircraft’s innovative long-range hybrid-electric eV/STOL (vertical and short take off and landing) platform 'ANN', following the signing of an agreement during the DriftX Event in Abu Dhabi.

Image courtesy Altair

This collaboration comes through Altair’s Aerospace Accelerator Program, aimed at accelerating the design of the scalable family of next-generation aircraft.

Tailored to meet the unique needs of the aerospace industry, Altair’s Aerospace Accelerator Program offers unlimited simulation and data analytics software, as well as unlimited online and self-paced training, all while ensuring complete control for participating entities.

Advertisement
ODU RT

As part of the collaboration, Altair will provide software tools and computational intelligence solutions in the areas of digital engineering, AI and data analytics technologies. This support will drastically accelerate Manta Aircraft’s journey, reduce risks and costs, and facilitate data-driven critical decision-making processes.

“Altair is dedicated to supporting those who dare to push the limits of engineering to innovate faster and change the world,” said Paolo Colombo, Director of Strategy, Aerospace and Defense at Altair.

“This commitment is exemplified through Altair’s support of promising startups like Manta Aircraft, providing an acceleration program designed to overcome the specific challenges of the aerospace industry.”

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Manta Aircraft will utilise these resources to finalise the design readiness for the manufacturing of 1:1 scale prototypes of their platform demonstrator 'ANN2' within the next 12 months. Additionally, they will continue the design of other models such as the 'ANN Plus', a versatile multiseater with six seats and a drone configuration.

Lucas Marchesini, CEO Manta Aircraft: “We at Manta are very grateful to Altair for their confidence in our project and their decision to support us with the tools and very specific expertise that Altair has acquired over the last few years. We are confident that we can solve outstanding technical challenges in the various areas of the Manta design by utilizing the remarkable variety of tools Altair has made available to us.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

Aerospace

Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

6 February 2026

Acron Aviation have signed a new multiyear contract with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to provide Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) training at its Bangkok Training Centre (BTC), further strengthening Acron Aviation’s position as a leading global provider of pilot training solutions.

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

6 February 2026

Hexagon has introduced Hyperscan, a portable and robust 3D scanning solution designed to deliver outstanding performance in complex industrial environments.

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner