Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Funding for UK aerospace transformation

Projects that could strengthen the UK aerospace industry through new technologies, are invited to participate in a regular competition that is part of the £3.9 billion UK Aerospace Research and Technology (UKART) programme, aimed at securing the UK's world-leading position in civil aerospace.

The UK houses some of the world’s most prolific aerospace companies, including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Airbus, and employs over 360,000 people. However, maintaining the UK aerospace industry’s global authority requires exploring emerging opportunities and markets.

To this end, organisations are invited to express an interest in a £150 million annual competition with their innovative ideas for aerospace design and manufacture.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The investment is part of the £3.9 billion UK Aerospace Research and Technology (UKART) programme, a partnership between government and industry that aims to maintain the UK’s world-leading position in civil aerospace. The best projects will then be invited to apply for grant funding.

Eyes on the sky
Priority areas within the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy include whole aircraft design and integration, aerostructures, advanced systems and propulsion technologies. This competition provides funding for industrial research or capital investment projects.

Priority areas include:

  • bolstering UK whole-aircraft design and system integration
  • future-proofing advanced systems technologies in the UK – specifically, smart, connected and more electric aircrafts
  • securing the UK’s world-leading position in large, complex aviation structures, particularly wings
  • developing more efficient propulsion technologies, including large turbofans

Projects must align with the aerospace technology strategy.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Competition information

  • the competition will open on 3rd May 2019, and the deadline for expressions of interest is at midday on 22nd May 2019
  • UK-based business, research and technology groups and academic organisations can be the project lead, depending on the project type
  • businesses can attract a maximum of 50% grant funding. Within that, individual businesses can attract up to 70% depending on funding requests from other partners
  • organisations must sign up to the ATI framework agreement
  • an online briefing event will be held on 10th May 2019 where organisations can find out more about the competition and applying


To find out more about this competition and apply, click here

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

3 June 2026

According to the latest data from ADS - the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries - commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for this month, in a decade.

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

Aerospace Security

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

3 June 2026

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response.

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

3 June 2026

Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture.

JMI achieves Honeywell Aerospace Channel Partner status

Aerospace

JMI achieves Honeywell Aerospace Channel Partner status

3 June 2026

Oxford based Jet Maintenance International (JMI)has been awarded TFE731 Line Maintenance Plus and APU Line Authorised Channel Partner status by Honeywell Aerospace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Civil Aviation Bill to support airspace modernisation and enhance safety

Aerospace

Civil Aviation Bill to support airspace modernisation and enhance safety

3 June 2026

The Civil Aviation Bill, now going through second reading and announced in the King’s Speech in May, will support the modernisation of UK airspace, enhance safety standards and give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) new enforcement powers, including to fine the minority of airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers.

GAL works with two Wildlife Trusts to remove CO2e

Aerospace

GAL works with two Wildlife Trusts to remove CO2e

3 June 2026

Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) has partnered with two Wildlife Trusts to help remove carbon emissions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner