Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

CAA integrates GAU and RPAS into one unit

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced the General Aviation Unit (GAU) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (RPAS) teams will be formally integrated into one unit with Sophie O’Sullivan, the current interim Head of the GAU and current Head of RPAS, named as the permanent Head of this combined unit.

Above: CAA offices at Gatwick.
Copyright CAA

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is today announcing the General Aviation Unit (GAU) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (RPAS) teams will be formally integrated into one unit with Sophie O’Sullivan, the current interim Head of the GAU and current Head of RPAS, named as the permanent Head of this combined unit.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit & General Aviation Unit said, “Bringing the teams together over the past six months has shown there are many internal similarities on how the units run and huge benefits for the external communities in working collaboratively on shared challenges. These include the ability to collectively work together on airspace integration and collaborate on innovation through aspects such as the Future Flight Fund work and the Airfield Advisory Fund.”

This organisational change does also not impact our management of airspace nor does it impact our central services desk that process your applications. We want to make clear that how we make decisions within each team will not change, how we work with government will not change, there is to be no change in any amount of resource assigned to technical work and any independence will not be lost.

Both GA and RPAS are recognised as economic growth areas for the UK and as such we want to assure both communities, we are committed to continuing our ongoing working relationships with you.
 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
IATA sees March passenger demand up as cargo demand falls

Aerospace

IATA sees March passenger demand up as cargo demand falls

30 April 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for March 2026 shows global passenger demand up 2.1%, as cargo demand falls by 4.8% due to disruption in the Middle East.

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

30 April 2026

A medical evacuation system designed and delivered jointly by NODIN Aviation and Marshall Aerospace will remain in operational use under an extended agreement between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

29 April 2026

According to trade association ADS, commercial aircraft orders rose 9% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to this period last year, reaching 569 orders and marking the highest order number for any Q1 since 2013, largely driven by a 25% increase in single-aisle aircraft orders, indicating that demand for short-haul travel continues to grow.

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

Aerospace

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

28 April 2026

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

Aerospace

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

28 April 2026

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

28 April 2026

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner