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
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
Hexagon leaderboard
Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

Aerospace

Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

18 May 2026

Analysis from aviation intelligence company IBA, has found that global aviation carbon intensity improved from 860 gCO₂ per revenue tonne-kilometre (RTK) in 2018 to 690 gCO₂/RTK by September 2025 - an efficiency improvement of 20% - but that flight activity growth is offsetting those operational gains.

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

Aerospace

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

18 May 2026

Architecture, engineering and consulting firm Egis has appointed Shakir Khaja as Aviation Sector Director for Europe and Africa, to oversee the firm’s expansion across the airport sector, with a strategic focus on the UK, Ireland and wider European market.

Stansted celebrates UK Airports Health & Safety Week

Aerospace Events

Stansted celebrates UK Airports Health & Safety Week

15 May 2026

Teams from right across London Stansted have come together this week to mark UK Airports Health & Safety Week 2026, with a wide ranging programme of events focused on keeping people safe at work and supporting health and wellbeing.

West of England residents back Bristol Airport expansion

Aerospace

West of England residents back Bristol Airport expansion

15 May 2026

A YouGov poll of people in the West of England has found that twice as many support the expansion of Bristol Airport’s capacity than oppose.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Iridium to acquire Aireon

Aerospace Space

Iridium to acquire Aireon

15 May 2026

Iridium Communications Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aireon LLC, operator of the world's only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system, with the transaction unifying the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system with the satellite network it was ...

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

Aerospace

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

15 May 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on a shortlist of regulatory models that could apply to capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner