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
ODU RT

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
Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

Aerospace Security

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

24 April 2026

On World Pilot Day (Sunday 26th April) air ambulance pilots are teaming up with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to urge drone users to fly responsibly after emergency helicopter flights were disrupted by drones during lifesaving missions in 2025.

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

Aerospace

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

23 April 2026

Cranfield University has been selected to play a key role in a major UK research initiative aimed at improving the understanding of aviation’s non CO₂ climate impacts.

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

Aerospace

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

23 April 2026

Ontic has introduced a new teardown procurement initiative to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges, namely the availability of hard-to-source components for established platforms.

Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

Aerospace

Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

22 April 2026

Provider of fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, Aurrigo, has announced the opening of its new UK Hub facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

22 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has strengthened its European passenger division with new leadership appointments aimed at supporting growth across the region.

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

Aerospace

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

22 April 2026

Aerospace Bristol has appointed Lloyd Hughes as its first ever chief operating officer (COO), marking a significant milestone in the museum's development as it pursues its ambitious ten-year strategy to double visitor numbers and grow its commercial operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner