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
ODU RT

"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
Hexagon leaderboard
Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

Aerospace

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

14 May 2026

Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS assumes the Presidency of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) - the oldest aeronautical society in the world and the only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community - taking up the post of President following the formal announcement at the Society’s AGM this month.

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell

Aerospace Events

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell's Spitfire-inspired sculpture

14 May 2026

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Aerospace Security

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

14 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

Aerospace Defence Security

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

13 May 2026

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB