Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

BAR-UK appoints Michael Smeeth as CEO

BAR-UK, the aviation trade body representing the majority of airlines operating to the UK, has announced the appointment of Michael Smeeth as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 4th November 2024.

Image courtesy BAR-UK

Michael Smeeth (above) brings with him over 25 years of executive leadership experience and a track record of success in advancing innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Michael  joins BAR-UK at a pivotal time for the aviation industry, with a new UK Government, an increasing drive to achieve sustainability goals and a determination to enable continued economic growth. As Chief Executive, Michael will lead the development and execution of BAR-UK's strategic roadmap, championing initiatives that advance BAR-UK’s mission to be the unified voice for airlines in the UK, advocating for policies and practices that foster a competitive, safe and sustainable aviation environment.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Michael  has held a range of senior roles including Chief Commercial Officer for General Electric (GE) in the UK and Ireland, Commercial Development & Portfolio Director for Sustainable Development Capital (SDCL) and most recently as Chief Executive Officer at Transition Hydrogen Solutions. He said: "I am thrilled to join BAR-UK at such an exciting and critical time. BAR-UK has a tremendous legacy, and I am honoured to build on its excellent work.

"Together with our talented team, I look forward to advancing our commitment to advocate for the delivery of a competitive, safe and sustainable aviation environment.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Colin Stewart, Chairman of the Board of BAR-UK, said "We are delighted to welcome Michael as BAR-UK’s new Chief Executive. He brings the right blend of insight, strategic acumen and visionary leadership.

"We are confident Michael will be instrumental in propelling BAR-UK toward even greater achievements."

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
British Airways

Aerospace Space

British Airways' first Starlink flight takes off

23 March 2026

British Airways’ first aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi took off to Houston last Thursday, the first flight operated by a UK airline featuring the innovative technology.

Global Innovation Centre opened by ePropelled in Coventry

Aerospace Defence Security

Global Innovation Centre opened by ePropelled in Coventry

23 March 2026

Provider of smart propulsion solutions and energy management systems for uncrewed vehicles, ePropelled, has opened its new Global Innovation Centre in Coventry, expanding the UK’s sovereign capability in electric and hybrid propulsion as the company scales toward producing more than one million propulsion systems annually by 2027.

GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

Aerospace

GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

19 March 2026

GE Aerospace plans to invest more than €110 million across its European manufacturing sites this year as it looks to expand production capacity, accelerate advanced manufacturing and strengthen delivery, including significant investment in the upgrade of multiple sites across the UK.

Boeing hosts UK supplier trade mission

Aerospace

Boeing hosts UK supplier trade mission

19 March 2026

Boeing has hosted its fifth UK supplier trade mission in Seattle, welcoming a new cohort of UK suppliers over two days for briefings, factory tours and targeted business meetings aimed at boosting opportunities for future collaboration.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Air Charter Scotland to continue Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route to August

Aerospace

Air Charter Scotland to continue Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route to August

19 March 2026

Air Charter Scotland have been successful in their bid to continue operating the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, through to 14th August, 2026.

Anti-drone tech patents surge

Aerospace Defence Security

Anti-drone tech patents surge

19 March 2026

The number of patent applications for anti-drone (counter-UAV) technologies filed globally increased by 27% to 126 last year*, up from 99 the year before, according to new research from intellectual property (IP) law firm Mathys & Squire.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner