Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

BA A350 touches down in Toronto

British Airways commenced the first North American long-haul service of its new A350 aircraft from Toronto today, following extensive trials and the launch of its first long-haul service to Dubai last month.

Above: The BA A350 lands into Toronto.
Courtesy British Airways

The new aircraft features Club Suite, British Airways’ latest generation business class seat, which offers customers direct-aisle access, doors for greater privacy and luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, with 40% more storage, WiFi, 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, high definition gate-to-gate programming and PC / USB power. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

The A350 aircraft quieter than some of its predecessors and delivers environmental benefits such as a 25% lower fuel burn, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Gerard McEvoy, VP Sales, North America, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new A350 from Toronto, a city we’ve flown to and from for nearly 60 years. The A350 and our new Club Suite business class seat deliver new levels of sophistication, comfort and privacy and we’re proud to share this with our Canadian customers.”

Since British Airways took delivery earlier this year, the A350 has flown over 15,400 miles between London Heathrow and Madrid, completing 40 take-offs and landings to put the aircraft through its paces, test all aspects of its technical performance and to further familiarize the airline’s crew with the service they will deliver. In addition to the short haul flying, the airline has also simulated a long-haul flight on the ground at London Heathrow. 

Following the Toronto launch of British Airways’ A350 on selected services, flights will commence to Tel Aviv and Bangalore later this year.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

The arrival of the A350 is part of the airline’s CA$5bn (£6.5bn) current investment program, and forms part of an exciting year for the airline as it celebrates its centenary. Other activities include the airline’s BA 2119 programme exploring the future of fuels, the customer experience of the future and the aviation careers in the next 100 years.

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
IATA sees  passenger demand more than doubling by 2050

Aerospace

IATA sees passenger demand more than doubling by 2050

17 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its Long Term Demand Projections (LTDP) for air travel, showing that global air passenger demand is expected to more than double by 2050.

Viasat

Aerospace Space

Viasat's advanced in-flight connectivity selected by National Airlines

17 March 2026

Viasat today announced that its advanced in-flight connectivity has been selected by charter operator National Airlines to enhance the passenger experience onboard a new fleet of three Airbus A330 aircraft.

ODU joins the UN Global Compact

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ODU joins the UN Global Compact

17 March 2026

Manufacturer of connector systems, ODU, has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest sustainability and corporate responsibility initiative.

Atlas Air Worldwide orders 20 A350Fs

Aerospace

Atlas Air Worldwide orders 20 A350Fs

16 March 2026

Atlas Air Worldwide has placed a landmark firm order for 20 Airbus A350F freighters, which is the largest ever placed for the A350F and makes Atlas the biggest customer of the type.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Astra Group completes delivery of Manchester Airport wayfinding contract

Aerospace

Astra Group completes delivery of Manchester Airport wayfinding contract

13 March 2026

Manchester based provider of traditional and digital signage solutions, Astra Group, has completed on a seven-figure wayfinding contract for Manchester Airport.

AirportsUK urges government to help increase competitiveness

Aerospace

AirportsUK urges government to help increase competitiveness

12 March 2026

At last night's AirportsUK Annual Dinner, senior aviation executives and politicians were given an insight into the size of the prize if government worked with the sector to increase competitiveness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner