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
Teledyne

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
Leonardo 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.

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

Aerospace Events

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

7 July 2025

Taking place on 29th and 30th October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, Advanced Engineering will have a new expanded Composites Pavilion, SME Village, the ADS Pavilion, AM2 Forum (Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Forum) and a focused Electronics Zone.

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

Aerospace

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

7 July 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed a team of specialists at the forefront of economics and competition policy to provide strategic advice to the aviation regulator on economic regulation and the challenges and opportunities in enabling the aviation sector to transform and grow.

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

Aerospace

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

7 July 2025

Ajman Transport Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure, with the aim of exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM) for smart aerial transport, including air taxi services, in the Emirate.

IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

Aerospace

IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

7 July 2025

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), operating as Maldivian, has become the second floatplane operator to trial the AGlaze Aviation Sealant product, with AGlaze International Ltd and Gryphon Aviation Partners (UK) Ltd reporting it is already delivering positive results.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT
Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

7 July 2025

Birmingham Airport has supported care experienced young adults into work, as part of a specialised Midlands-wide initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

Malaysia Aviation Group orders 20 more A330neo

Aerospace

Malaysia Aviation Group orders 20 more A330neo

7 July 2025

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 more A330-900 aircraft.

Advertisement
Teledyne