Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Heathrow smashes all-time records

Almost eight million passengers travelled through Heathrow in July, retaining its position as the busiest airport in Europe in the first half of the year - ahead of Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle - by millions of passengers.


 
Image courtesy Heathrow 

Before July 2024, Heathrow had never surpassed 1.8 million passengers in a week. This has now been achieved three weeks in a row (8th – 28th July), as the airport continues to break its own records  

Heathrow saw six of its busiest ever departure days in the week the schools broke up for the summer holiday period (from 22nd July), with over 140k direct departing passengers and almost 140k bags leaving the airport daily. Close collaboration with our partners meant that the airport has performed well with no material impacts on flights from the recent global IT outage or illegal protest activity  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Venice and Larnaca proved popular destinations for those jetting off for some summer sun, as Doha and Dublin joined Dubai and JFK as the latest routes with one million passengers travelling to and from Heathrow this year. There were also big boosts for Orlando and many other US destinations such as Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas

Heathrow experienced an 8% increase in cargo tonnage in July 2024 compared to July 2023. This strong performance underscores Heathrow's position as the UK's leading air cargo hub.

Advertisement
ODU RT

While Heathrow continues to attract new routes and record passenger numbers, the latest data following the introduction of the ETA shows that Heathrow has lost 90,000 transfer passengers on routes operating to and from the seven countries included in the scheme, since its introduction in 2023. Heathrow sees this as a major detriment to its competitiveness and is urging Government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “Team GB’s performance in Paris has been an inspiration to the nation and to Team Heathrow. In July, we were smashing a passenger record almost every single day and we’re chasing down our never before seen goal of serving eight million passengers in a single month. I’m proud that although there were a few potential challenges which could have caused us to stumble, our team remained focused on the prize of making every journey better and delivered a medal-winning start to the summer getaway.”

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Britten-Norman and AAI activate Global Aircraft Recovery service

Aerospace

Britten-Norman and AAI activate Global Aircraft Recovery service

17 June 2026

British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has launched the Global Aircraft Recovery (GAR) service, delivered in collaboration with specialist partners, including Avitrius Air International.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Gatwick launches refreshed construction frameworks

Aerospace

Gatwick launches refreshed construction frameworks

17 June 2026

Gatwick has awarded its refreshed set of Building and Civils Frameworks, appointing 11 suppliers to support the airport’s ambitious capital investment programme.

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

Aerospace

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

17 June 2026

Phelan Green Hydrogen has announced it has licensed technologies from Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies (JM CT) for its planned electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

Aerospace Defence Events

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

17 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has won a multiyear engineering contract for ZA947, the Douglas C-47 Dakota Mk III training and display aircraft owned by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Heathrow turns 80

Aerospace

Heathrow turns 80

16 June 2026

Heathrow marked its 80th birthday in May with strong passenger demand, as millions get ready to travel ahead of the summer peak.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB