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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
ODU RT

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
ECS leaderboard banner
AAIB appoints Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents

Aerospace Security

AAIB appoints Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents

12 February 2026

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has announced the appointment of Robert Balls as Chief Inspector of Air Accidents following a fair and open competition.

Air Canada confirms order for eight A350-1000s

Aerospace

Air Canada confirms order for eight A350-1000s

12 February 2026

Air Canada has disclosed a firm order (listed as undisclosed in November 2025) for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airline’s long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft.

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

Aerospace

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

11 February 2026

Aircraft interiors specialist, ACS UK, has secured two significant new contracts with tier-one global airlines, covering the design and manufacture of bespoke, customised monuments for widebody aircraft.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
International Group launches IADA

Aerospace Defence

International Group launches IADA

11 February 2026

The International Group announced yesterday that it has launched an aerospace and defence division - International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) - a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes.

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

Aerospace

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

10 February 2026

Telford based Bruderer UK and Brandauer are marking 60 years of precision production with a £700,000 investment.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB