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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

Aerospace

Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

28 January 2026

Engineering and manufacturing specialist, Airframe Designs, has announced a strategic rebrand to AFD Systems, reflecting the company’s expanded lines of business, services, broader sector reach and long-term growth ambitions.

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

Aerospace

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

28 January 2026

Ordnance Survey (OS), the national mapping service for Great Britain, has extended its existing framework contract with Aerial data acquisition company, DEA Aviation.

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

27 January 2026

Fenner Precision Polymers has achieved AS9100 accreditation for aerospace and defence manufacturing activities conducted on its site in Lincoln.

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

27 January 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced plans for three eateries and a new executive lounge within the Departures Lounge to open in phases during 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing transformation.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

Aerospace Security

Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

26 January 2026

Heathrow has now completed a £1 billion security technology upgrade, becoming the world's largest airport to fully roll out next-gen CT security scanners.

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

Aerospace

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

26 January 2026

Acron Aviation today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to provide training for ANAC Brazil-licensed pilots at its London Gatwick Training Center (LTC).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB