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
ODU RT

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
Gulfstream banner
Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

Aerospace

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

28 April 2026

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

Aerospace

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

28 April 2026

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

28 April 2026

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

Aerospace Security

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

28 April 2026

Glasgow Airport successfully hosted a multiagency emergency training exercise on Thursday 23rd April, carried out between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

Aerospace

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

28 April 2026

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

Aerospace

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

28 April 2026

March had the busiest day of the year so far, for flights taking off from, landing into and flying through UK airspace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner