Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Industry welcomes Future Flight Challenge

The £300 million Future Flight Challenge was launched today by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, committing Government support to UK Aerospace industry development of new technology.

Announced as part of the Aerospace Sector Deal agreed between Government and industry in December 2018, the Future Flight Challenge receives £125 million from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and industry investment of up to £175 million.

The Challenge will support the development of advanced new aerospace technologies such as electric propulsion systems that will reduce the environmental impact of flying and major new innovations in urban air transport.

Advertisement
ODU RT

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “The Future Flight challenge will help UK industry to maximise the opportunity of developing and manufacturing the cleaner, quieter and more technologically advanced aircraft of tomorrow.

“Our innovative aerospace industry is set to fast-track the electrification of flight, explore the global potential of new urban mobility solutions and pioneer autonomous aviation.

“This new era of technological progress in aviation will help to both tackle global environmental challenges and create new industrial opportunities that can bring prosperity to communities across the UK.”

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

The Global Urban Air Summit in Farnborough on 3rd and 4th September will bring industry together with regulators and others to discuss some of these new technologies.

The first Future Flight Challenge competition, to create compelling concept studies will open on 30th September 2019. There will be a briefing about the competition by videoconference on the morning of 5th September; details of how to register for the briefing will be released at: https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/search
 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
CAA appoints Crispin Orr appointed as non-executive director

Aerospace

CAA appoints Crispin Orr appointed as non-executive director

24 November 2025

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today confirmed the appointment of Crispin Orr as a new non-executive director to its Board.

WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

Aerospace Security Events

WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

21 November 2025

Somerset based specialist in safety-critical embedded software, WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems (WHIS), has been officially presented with the King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in a ceremony at its Long Ashton headquarters.

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

Aerospace

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

21 November 2025

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced that applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme are now open.

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

Aerospace Security

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

21 November 2025

Britten-Norman is working with World Mobile Stratospheric (WMS) to demonstrate a pioneering airborne 5G communication system using a BN2T-4S Islander aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Smiths Detection

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 600 achieves ECAC/EU G1 approval

20 November 2025

Smiths Detection today announced that its IONSCAN 600 explosives trace detector (ETD) has achieved ECAC/EU G1 approval, ensuring that all ECAC-approved units equipped with the new Control Parameter (CP) set are fully compliant with the latest G1 standards for passengers/cargo.

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250