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
PTC rectangle

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
ECS leaderboard banner
Saxon Air adds AW139 to its fleet

Aerospace

Saxon Air adds AW139 to its fleet

3 March 2026

In a landmark moment for the business, Saxon Air has introduced a brand-new Agusta AW139, registration G-MCFC, to its managed fleet, representing a significant step change in size, capability and operational reach.

Babcock’s Festival of Engineering inspires Bristol’s young innovators

Aerospace Defence Events

Babcock’s Festival of Engineering inspires Bristol’s young innovators

3 March 2026

More than 400 schoolchildren and teachers from across Bristol and the South West unleashed their inner engineer this week when they got stuck into robotics and virtual reality welding as part of a two day STEM-athon run by Babcock International Group.

Viasat and Galaxy 1 to enhance Velaris

Aerospace Security Space

Viasat and Galaxy 1 to enhance Velaris

3 March 2026

Galaxy 1 Communications is working with Viasat to enhance delivery of Velaris, Viasat’s dedicated satellite communications service for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.

Aurrigo to provide ground handling at East Midlands Airport

Aerospace

Aurrigo to provide ground handling at East Midlands Airport

3 March 2026

Coventry headquartered Aurrigo has been awarded a licence for the provision of Ground Handling Services at East Midlands Airport (EMA).

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Affinity marks 10 years delivering mission ready aircraft

Aerospace

Affinity marks 10 years delivering mission ready aircraft

3 March 2026

Lincolnshire based Affinity Flying Services (Affinity) is marking a decade of delivering aircraft services to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

IATA sees air passenger and air cargo demand up in January

Aerospace

IATA sees air passenger and air cargo demand up in January

2 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for January 2026, revealing that global passenger demand was up 3.8%, whilst air cargo demand increased by 5.6%.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner