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Aerospace Defence Events

Cobham marks 70 years since Berlin Airlift

In June 1948, the Berlin Blockade was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War, as the Soviet Union had blocked Western Allies' railway, road and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Western control, so to counter this, the Western Allies organised the Berlin Airlift to carry supplies to the people of West Berlin.

Originally, the operation was carried out by military authorities but it was soon expanded to include 25 British private contractors, in what was codenamed ‘Operation Plainfare’.

Flight Refuelling Ltd [Cobham] was the first civilian company to be engaged and the last to withdraw after its 12 aircraft had ferried in almost seven million gallons of domestic heating oil and diesel fuel.

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The miles flown to supply Berlin from the air between 24 June 1948 and 12 May 1949 equalled almost the distance between the earth and the sun.

The company's effort required the employment of 32 full crews and its commitment was recognised with the formal presentation of a banner marking the delivery of the 100,000th ton of liquid fuel into RAF Gatow.

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MP backs aerospace and defence sectors

Aerospace Defence

MP backs aerospace and defence sectors

2 October 2025

A Labour MP has backed the aerospace and defence sectors and wants them to be ‘as successful as possible’.

IFS appoints Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer

Aerospace Defence

IFS appoints Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer

1 October 2025

IFS today announced the appointment of Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer, succeeding Debra McCowan, who is stepping down from her role as Chief Human Resources Officer.

Bristol Airport breaks its monthly passenger record

Aerospace

Bristol Airport breaks its monthly passenger record

30 September 2025

Bristol Airport has reported its busiest month ever with more than 1.2 million customers using the Airport in August, with many travelling on more fuel efficient and quieter aircraft.

NPAS helps crackdown on hare coursing across county borders

Aerospace Security

NPAS helps crackdown on hare coursing across county borders

29 September 2025

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Essex Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary in a renewed, coordinated effort to tackle hare coursing and associated rural crime under Operation Galileo.

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Birmingham Airport employment scheme secures impressive results

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport employment scheme secures impressive results

29 September 2025

A Birmingham Airport (BHX) employment initiative for young care experienced adults has resulted in 50% of participants securing paid employment at the regional transport hub.

Windracers makes history with UK’s first international civil drone approval

Aerospace Defence Security

Windracers makes history with UK’s first international civil drone approval

26 September 2025

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today approved Windracers, a British civil and defence drone manufacturer, to conduct the UK’s first civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) international operation.

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