Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

CFMS appoints Iain Gray as new Chairman

The Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), an independent, not-for-profit specialist in digital engineering capability, has announced the appointment of Professor Iain Gray as Chairman, with a remit to help drive the company’s commitment to advancing high value design (HVD) in the UK.

Iain (above), former Chief Executive of Innovate UK, will work closely with the CFMS executive team and its board members to further execute the company vision and business strategy. Through his expert knowledge and leadership experience within the UK’s high value manufacturing industries, academia, and government, Iain will support CFMS as an independent and trusted digital test bed for the design of high value engineering products and processes. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

As Professor and Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, Chairman of the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, Non-Executive Director of Versarien plc and Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Iain brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board. He has also held roles with Airbus and BAE Systems and has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from Bath, Bristol, University of the West of England, Aberdeen, Aston, Cardiff and Exeter Universities. In 2014, he was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours list for his contribution to innovation, science and technology.

Iain commented: “I have followed the progress of CFMS since its inception, and it is a great honour to serve as Chairman as the company moves forward with its capabilities  to play a lead role in advancing HVD across the UK.”

Sam Paice, Chief Operating Officer, CFMS, said: “This is a very exciting time for CFMS. Iain’s appointment will further strengthen the CFMS vision of supporting the growth of industrial digitalisation across UK industry. This is testament to our commitment to grow and deliver strong value to organisations and drive forward the UK’s HVD capabilities.”

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Ian Risk, Chief Technology Officer, CFMS, added: “Iain’s expertise in innovation, combined with his insight of how digital technologies will radically transform the design of high value goods, will be vital in helping CFMS to engage a wider range of industrial clients. We are on track with our three-year expansion plan and look forward to Iain joining the team and helping to drive our ambitions to transform HVD industries.”

Through its four core service lines – Data Science, Advanced Simulation, Model Based Engineering, and Engineering Computing Services – CFMS enables high value manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, transport, energy and construction sectors to accelerate design and manufacturing productivity and competitiveness for their products, processes and services.

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Green aviation to get £43m boost

Aerospace

Green aviation to get £43m boost

21 January 2026

The aviation industry is set for a major boost as £43 million for green projects was announced by the UK Government today, aimed at supporting jobs and unlocking new investment.

Leonardo reduces ESG risk with Sustainalytics upgrade

Aerospace

Leonardo reduces ESG risk with Sustainalytics upgrade

21 January 2026

ESG research and ratings agency, Sustainalytics, has improved Leonardo’s ESG Risk Rating, reducing it to 22/100 from 29/100 (on a scale from zero to 100, where zero represents the best score), placing the Company third worldwide among aerospace & defence (A&D) companies.

IBA reveals 1,800 aircraft deliveries expected in 2026

Aerospace

IBA reveals 1,800 aircraft deliveries expected in 2026

21 January 2026

IBA's Chief Economist & Chief Data Officer, Dr Stuart Hatcher, has revealed his insights and predictions for the upcoming year as easing inflation, lower fuel prices and improving OEM production rates underpin a more stable outlook for airlines.

Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

21 January 2026

Smiths Detection has enabled the launch of a fully automated International Remote Baggage Screening System (IRBS), setting a new global standard for cross-border aviation security and passenger processing between South Korea and the United States.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Newcastle Airport secures £364m refinancing package

Aerospace

Newcastle Airport secures £364m refinancing package

21 January 2026

Newcastle International Airport (NIAL) has successfully secured a new £364 million bank finance package, refinancing existing facilities and supporting its long-term growth ambitions and sustainability targets.

Base Materials develops proprietary LCA

Aerospace

Base Materials develops proprietary LCA

21 January 2026

Base Materials has developed a new proprietary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to calculate the carbon footprint of its full product portfolio, providing partners robust, transparent environmental data as part of their own sustainability and supply chain reporting.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB