Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

ASCEND programme wins ATI Award

The GKN Aerospace led ASCEND programme has been recognised by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) with the Team Award for Successful Collaboration and Partnership, honouring its groundbreaking progress in composite technology and supply chain development.

Image courtesy GKN Aerospace

The programme has driven innovations that will shape the future of high-rate production for civil aircraft, the automotive industry and future mobility markets.

GKN Aerospace collected the industry award on behalf of the ASCEND consortium at the ATI Conference yesterday. The award reflected the programme’s excellence in teamwork and partnership across multiple sectors.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

ASCEND is led by GKN Aerospace and includes 15 project partners: Airborne, Assyst Bulmer, Cygnet Texkimp, Cytec Syensqo, DES Composites, FAR-UK, Hexcel, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, NCC, Rafinex & Sigmatex, with collaboration managed by Axillium Research

ASCEND is a cross-sector programme designed to enable the UK aerospace and automotive industries to meet future high-rate production demands. Focused on automation, design for manufacture and skills development, the programme is committed to delivering sustainable technologies that reduce manufacturing costs and carbon footprints while enhancing production capabilities.

The project aims to bridge the aerospace and automotive supply chains by advancing innovative technologies and sustainable manufacturing solutions. This includes automating dry fibre deposition for broad goods materials, reducing manual intervention in forming complex internal spars, developing a smart RTM cell with closed-loop feedback and intelligent tooling for aerospace wingtip production, and establishing a scalable manufacturing process for Type V composite hydrogen fuel tanks.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Russ Dunn, CTO GKN Aerospace said: "The ASCEND Programme’s success is a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration. Our team has not only tackled complex technology challenges to meet future rate requirements but has also inspired new innovations around dry fibre preforming, RTM  and rapid cure materials and created numerous partner spin-offs that will benefit both aerospace and automotive industries. The spillover effect of this work is already shaping the future of high-rate, sustainable manufacturing processes across sectors."

The ATI Team Award highlights the collaborative efforts and partnerships that have been central to ASCEND’s success. This recognition underscores the innovation and teamwork led by GKN Aerospace and its partners, who are together pioneering the future of sustainable, high-rate composite manufacturing, ensuring the UK’s leadership in aerospace and automotive advancements.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Flights increase as summer hots up

Aerospace

Flights increase as summer hots up

18 July 2025

UK air traffic in June increased by 2.5% on the same month last year as NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, safely handled 237,215 flights, up more than 2,600 on May.

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

Aerospace

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

17 July 2025

ZeroAvia today announced it has been awarded nine new patents this year so far, with many critical to the company’s roadmap for scaling hydrogen-electric engines for large regional aircraft.

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

Aerospace

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

17 July 2025

For the first time, the British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) joined Martyn Fiddler as joint hosts of the 13th Isle of Man Aviation Conference, bringing together 120 business aviation delegates at Douglas’ Villa Marina venue.

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

Aerospace

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

16 July 2025

An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT