Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NATS and AiQ Consulting win Best Solution Provider at AOA Awards

Aerospace

NATS and AiQ Consulting win Best Solution Provider at AOA Awards

NATS is celebrating after their project was named a winner at the Airport Operators Association (AOA) Awards.

Above: NATS and AiQ Consulting accept their award.  (left to right) Simon Calder, AiQ Managing Director Derek Allen, NATS Portfolio Manager Gary Conroy and AOA Chair Baroness Ruby McGregor- Smith.
Courtesy NATS

Together with AiQ Consulting, NATS’ project won the “Best Solution Provider” award which recognises businesses in the aviation and airport sectors that have delivered new, innovative solutions to meet a defined business need.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The prize acknowledged the delivery of an end-to-end airport capacity assessment at Bristol Airport – the ninth busiest airport in the UK – focusing on pinch points between kerbside and airside.
NATS and AiQ Consulting worked to deliver a completely integrated assessment of the entire airport operation and developed a range of immediate suggested actions and longer-term investments to secure efficiency of the operation.

With exciting and ambitious plans for the future backed by significant infrastructural investment, Bristol Airport now has a validated actionable roadmap that enables them to achieve ongoing improvements to the customer experience.

Gary Franklin, NATS’ Customer Solutions and Delivery Director, said: “By bringing together experts from air traffic control, airport operations, stand planning, baggage management and passenger flow, NATS and AiQ were able to help Bristol Airport understand how to improve capacity constraints across the entire airport, by helping to identify and prioritise investment needs.

“Finding innovative ways to solve specific operational and technical challenges is one of NATS’ key capabilities so we are delighted that our project with AiQ has won this prestigious award.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

AiQ’s Managing Director, Derek Allen, said: “We are very proud to have won this award which was based on exceeding our client’s expectations. Together with NATS we provided an end-to-end capacity assessment from kerbside to airside at Bristol Airport, which took a holistic, whole-journey approach.

“The project demonstrated our deep operations experience and our modelling capabilities that enabled the airport to understand the customer challenges facing them and make the right decisions for the future. From big picture virtual reality modelling to highly detailed insights, the award was a recognition of the talents in the AiQ and NATS team.”

The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is a national trade association which represents the interests of UK airports in areas such as security, economic development, operations and safety and environmental sustainability.

 
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
First cohort of apprentices graduates from airport management course

Aerospace

First cohort of apprentices graduates from airport management course

9 April 2026

A group of 11 apprentices have become the first to graduate from an in-depth, two-year course run in partnership by Manchester Airport and Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG).

Loganair appoints Scott Cunningham as Chief Financial Officer

Aerospace

Loganair appoints Scott Cunningham as Chief Financial Officer

8 April 2026

Loganair today confirmed that Scott Cunningham will be joining the airline as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 25 years of finance and leadership experience to the team.

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

Aerospace

Luton Airport completes runway resurfacing

7 April 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has completed a significant £18 million investment in resurfacing its runway.

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

Aerospace

Bristol Airport submits plans for bigger and better airport

7 April 2026

Bristol Airport is looking to offer new destinations around the world under plans submitted to North Somerset Council, that will enable it to expand services to meet customer demand and support economic regional growth.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Latha Narayan as President APAC

7 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Latha Narayan as its President for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

FAC reviews TEKEVER

Aerospace Defence Security Events

FAC reviews TEKEVER's progress in the UK

7 April 2026

Senior representatives from the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) recently visited AI-centric autonomous systems provider TEKEVER to see how the Portuguese company is progressing with its UK businesses.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner