Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NATS secures 10 year contract at Cardiff Airport

Aerospace

NATS secures 10 year contract at Cardiff Airport

NATS has secured a ten year contract to provide air traffic and engineering services and expertise for Cardiff Airport.

Above: (left to right) Paul Jones, NATS Group Customer Account Manager, NATS Cardiff GM Daryl Rowlands, Huw Lewis, Finance Director Cardiff Airport, CEO NATS Martin Rolfe, CEO Cardiff Airport Deb Barber, NATS Commercial Director Guy Adams and Ceri Mashlan, Director of Operations Cardiff Airport.
Courtesy NATS

Advertisement
ODU RT

The contract, which was signed on 9 July, includes aerodrome, approach and engineering services, as well as the addition of services for MOD St Athan for the first time.

The contract award follows significant passenger growth at Wales’ national airport since it came under public ownership in 2013; during which time NATS has also played a vital operational role in the successful delivery of major events including the NATO Wales Summit, Rugby World Cup and 2018 Champions League Final.


Courtesy Cardiff Airport

Deb Barber, CEO at Cardiff Airport, added: “After a robust tender process, we were very impressed by the NATS bid. Not only are they a reputable, trusted supplier of air traffic services at many UK airports but they also stand out for demonstrating technological innovation, operational excellence and impressive engineering capabilities.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“We look forward to developing further our partnership with NATS over the next ten years and, on behalf of Cardiff Airport’s team, I’d like to congratulate NATS on their success.”

Martin Rolfe, NATS CEO, said: “Cardiff Airport has gone from strength to strength in recent years, achieving over 60% passenger growth.  We are delighted to be adding MoD St Athan to the NATS family and look forward to continuing to provide the Welsh capital city airport with an outstanding service, as we have done since the 1960s.”

Guy Adams, NATS’ Commercial Director, also commented: “The Cardiff contract attracted a number of bidders, so we are delighted to have reached such a positive outcome.  Being recognised as a trusted supplier by the airport is a great achievement so I’d like to thank the Cardiff team for working so hard.”


 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

Aerospace

ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

26 May 2026

Almost 98% of UK flights operated punctually in April, according to figures from UK air traffic controller NATS.

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

Aerospace

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

26 May 2026

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

Aerospace

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

26 May 2026

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard