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Aerospace

Heathrow lands record Q1 performance

Heathrow achieved its 29th consecutive month of growth, welcoming a record 17.9 million passengers in Q1 2019.

Passenger satisfaction reached new highs with Terminal 5 beating international competition to be crowned the best airport terminal in the world at the annual Skytrax awards.

With its airport charges declining 2.4% to £22.13 per passenger, 82.6% of passengers said they had an “Excellent” or “Very Good” experience at Heathrow
       
Over 210 global destinations are now connected via a direct flight from Heathrow after the Newquay, Chengdu, Osaka, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Charleston routes launched in Q1.

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Higher retail spending resulted in £679 million in overall revenues and Adjusted EBITDA increasing by 1% to £406 million. Also, Heathrow's robust financial health has enabled it to access competitively priced funding which ultimately results in lower passenger charges, demonstrated by successful returns to both the EUR and CHF markets and multiple private placements by global investors.

Heathrow is now preparing to unveil its detailed preferred masterplan for public consultation in June, as its wish to build a controversial third runway remains a possibility following the High Court rejecting a legal challenge against it earlier today.

John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of Heathrow, said: “Twenty-nineteen is an important year for Heathrow as we put in place the building blocks that will define Britain’s global connectivity for decades to come.

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"With passengers continuing to choose Heathrow in record numbers, the strong backing of global investors and a credible plan to expand responsibly, we’re ramping up for growth.”

 

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Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing, has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

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CAA sets guidance on emissions information

Aerospace

CAA sets guidance on emissions information

5 February 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published a new framework that sets out guidance and principles on the information airlines and other booking organisations should provide to passengers.

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

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