Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Flights increase in March

UK provider of air traffic services, NATS, safely handled 190,703 flights last month - a 2.3% increase on March 2024 - whilst non-transatlantic arrivals and departures grew by 3.5% and flights to and from Spain increased by 10% year on year.

Image courtesy NATS

Other European markets were similar to those in March a year ago, while transatlantic arrivals and departures fell by 5.4%.
 
According to Eurocontrol, NATS handled 24.1 per cent of Europe’s traffic in February and was accountable for just 1.4 per cent of Europe’s delay.  99.5 per cent of flights received no NATS-attributable delay; the average NATS delay per delayed flight was 10.9 minutes.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

 
Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Kathryn Leahy, Chief Operations Officer, said: “This increase in traffic in March, before the summer schedules started at the end of the month, suggests we are on course for a very busy summer ahead.  

"Eurocontrol has already warned of likely delays across continental Europe over the season and, while there is nothing we can do about the wider European network, here in the UK we have worked hard on our summer plan and will be doing all we can to ensure that people get away safely and punctually.”

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
ODU RT
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
General Atomics LB