Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

IATA launches IATA Connect

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched IATA Connect, creating a secure community of aviation safety, security, compliance and operations experts at airlines, regulatory agencies and auditors.

Image copyright Shutterstock

With an initial focus on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), IATA Connect community members will be able to access and use the platform to securely exchange safety documentation, share information and collaborate to support further improvements in aviation safety.

In addition to the IOSA Registry, IATA Connect will also house a secure private documentation repository with analytical and benchmarking capabilities. Contents of the document repository include IOSA audit reports, standards and related information, guidance materials, 440 airline profiles, industry alerts and news sources which can be accessed and shared.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Some 2,300 aviation safety professionals have been invited to join the IATA Connect community covering regulators, IOSA registered airlines and auditors.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said: "IATA Connect will provide aviation safety and compliance professionals in government and the industry with a means to make flying even safer by facilitating real time collaboration. Whether it is sharing an IOSA audit report, responding to a compliance questionnaire, updating information on codeshare partners, benchmarking resources, or information gathering, IATA Connect will bring new efficiencies and greater capabilities. By collecting critical IOSA audit data in a single location, keeping it updated and making the mechanics of information exchange easier, IATA Connect will be a compelling tool for everyone involved in aviation safety compliance and oversight.”

The launch of IATA Connect responds directly to the growing challenge of safety professionals to manage compliance documentation. In the face of growing operations, regulatory requirements and increasingly complex operational environments (with commercial and outsourcing partnerships), exchanging audit information and documentation on a single platform is expected to greatly enhance efficiency.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Aiming for IATA Connect to become a virtual collaboration space for all aviation professionals, the platform is also available via a mobile App which will initially include two other key IATA safety offerings:
Safety Connect, a longstanding secure forum used by interest groups for discussion and resources specific to operational areas such as cabin, cargo, and ground operations.
The publicly available Safety Issue Hub, where information on hazards and safety risks are posted to enable the prioritisation and delivery of aviation safety improvement programmes.

With time and in response to user needs, IATA Connect will grow and add capabilities to make it the one-stop-shop for aviation safety professionals.

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock 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
ODU RT
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
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB