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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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 completes acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems

Aerospace

Airbus completes acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' sites

8 December 2025

Airbus has closed the transaction with Spirit AeroSystems for the acquisition of industrial assets dedicated to its commercial aircraft programmes, including those providing wing components for the A320 and A350 in Prestwick, Scotland and for A220 wings and A220 mid-fuselage production in Belfast.

Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation reaches halfway point

Aerospace

Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation reaches halfway point

8 December 2025

The Scottish Airspace Modernisation consultation, which launched on 20th October, has reached its midpoint, with the Coordinated Airspace Change Proposals (ACPs) - led jointly by NATS, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport - giving communities, political representatives and other stakeholders the opportunity to share their views.

GKN Aerospace to expand additive manufacturing capabilities in Norway

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace to expand additive manufacturing capabilities in Norway

8 December 2025

GKN Aerospace Norway and Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg (Kongsberg Technology Cluster) have signed a strategic agreement to invest in and expand advanced additive manufacturing capabilities at GKN Aerospace’s engines facility in Kongsberg.

ADS reports seven year high for aircraft deliveries

Aerospace

ADS reports seven year high for aircraft deliveries

5 December 2025

According to ADS, commercial aircraft manufacturers delivered 132 aircraft in October 2025 - increasing by two thirds (67%) compared to October 2024 - marking the highest number of aircraft deliveries for the month of October since 2018.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander approved by TCAA

Aerospace

Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander approved by TCAA

2 December 2025

UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) type certification for the BN2T-4S Islander, the Rolls-Royce Model 250–powered turboprop variant of the company’s iconic utility aircraft.

CAA confirms summer 2025 busiest ever for UK aviation

Aerospace

CAA confirms summer 2025 busiest ever for UK aviation

2 December 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority’s latest aviation trends report confirms that 2025 saw the busiest summer ever for UK aviation.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle