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
NPAS supports South Wales Police op targeting illegal bikes

Aerospace Security

NPAS supports South Wales Police op targeting illegal bikes

1 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) supported South Wales Police during a targeted operation in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to tackle the illegal and anti‑social use of electric bikes and motorbikes.

Made Smarter launches AI toolkit

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Made Smarter launches AI toolkit

1 May 2026

A new guide has been published by Made Smarter to help manufacturers cut through the noise around artificial intelligence (AI) and focus on what actually works on the factory floor.

Hexagon completes acquisition of Inertial Sense

Aerospace Defence Security

Hexagon completes acquisition of Inertial Sense

1 May 2026

Hexagon announced yesterday the successful completion of the acquisition of Inertial Sense, strengthening its assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) portfolio with tactical-grade GNSS+INS technology.

Beldam Crossley awarded King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade

Aerospace Defence

Beldam Crossley awarded King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade

1 May 2026

Bolton based Beldam Crossley Limited has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, recognising the company’s outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Skills Academy to open at Airbus Filton

Aerospace

Skills Academy to open at Airbus Filton

1 May 2026

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.

Rolls-Royce wins LATAM Airlines Trent 1000 XE order

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce wins LATAM Airlines Trent 1000 XE order

30 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has been selected by LATAM Airlines to power three Boeing 787 Dreamliners with Trent 1000 XE engines.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner