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
ODU RT

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
General Atomics LB
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB