Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Heathrow passenger numbers climb in October

Over 6.9 million passengers travelled through Heathrow during the busiest October on record, as the airport saw 0.5% growth, driven by larger, fuller aircraft.


Courtesy Heathrow

The Middle East (+6.5%) and Africa (+5.9%) and East Asia (+4.9%) were the key markets for passenger growth last month. Virgin’s new route to Tel Aviv continued to boost the Middle East. East Asia also saw significant growth driven by British Airways’ new route to Kansai and increased load factors on other flights to Japan ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Advertisement
ODU RT

More than 137,000 metric tonnes of cargo travelled through Heathrow in October, with cargo growth led by Ireland (6.8%) the Middle East (+4.2%) and Africa (+2.8). 

In October, Heathrow released its Q3 results which announced that the airport remained on track for its ninth consecutive year of passenger growth.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow continues to deliver for the economy but we are also making progress on tackling the biggest issue of our time – climate change – by decarbonising the global aviation sector. 

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

"We are delighted that British Airways has become the first airline in the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and that others are following their lead. The UK government has an opportunity to show real global leadership by making net zero aviation a focus for COP26 in Glasgow in 12 months’ time.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

Aerospace

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

7 January 2026

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Aerospace

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

7 January 2026

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its global aviation practice with the appointment of aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini as its Head of Aircraft Finance, Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore.

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

Aerospace

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

6 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Aerospace

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

6 January 2026

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350.

Cranfield University

Aerospace

Cranfield University's NFLC secures Reach for the Sky funding

5 January 2026

Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) has been successful in a bid for funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a UK government led initiative aimed at encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB