Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Emirates receives its first of 65 A350-900s

Emirates has taken delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft, marking an important step in Emirates' fleet growth strategy.


 
Image copyright Airbus

It marks the long-standing partnership between Emirates and Airbus, with the A350 set to enhance Emirates’ medium and long-haul operations beyond the airline’s existing network.

Emirates has ordered a total of 65 A350-900s as part of the airline’s’ broader plans to support Dubai’s’ Economic Agenda, which aims to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. The A350 will play a vital role in establishing the newly announced Dubai World Central (DWC) mega hub, further strengthening Dubai’s position in global aviation.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Emirates A350-900 will feature three spacious and comfortable cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers (32 business, 21 premium economy and 259 spacious economy class seats). Emirates will also be the first airline in the Middle-East to introduce Airbus' new HBCplus satcom high-speed global connectivity solution.

The A350's clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Advertisement
ODU RT

At the end of October 2024, the A350 Family had more than 1,340 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB