Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

NATS sees January UK air traffic growth

January saw 181,362 flights fly through UK airspace according to NATS, an increase of 1.6% compared to January 2018.


Courtesy NATS

This accounted for 23.7% of all European traffic and demonstrates the continuously increasing global demand for air travel.
 
The biggest growth came in the ‘Non-Transatlantic International Overflights’ sector, with an increase of 7.5% compared to last January. This is largely due to an increase in demand between Ireland and Europe, particularly on flights between Dublin and Frankfurt. ‘Transatlantic Overflights’ also saw a marked increase, up 6.3%, led by more flights between the US and Europe, notably between New York and Paris. 

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

 
‘Domestic Flights’ was the only sector that declined in January compared to last year, with a 3.5% reduction in traffic. 
 
Traffic handled by both NATS air traffic control centres grew year on year in January, with Swanwick air traffic up by 4% and Prestwick up by almost 2%.
Advertisement
ODU RT

 
NATS attributable delay for the month was minimal, with only 336 minutes in total; a substantial 97.1% decrease compared to the same time last year. This equates to an average en-route delay per delayed flight of 11.59 seconds.
 
Juliet Kennedy, NATS Operations Director, said: “We’re off to a good start this year, handling an increasing number of flights with less delay compared to last January. We’re planning for another record-breaking year and our controllers are working hard to ensure they deliver the best service to our airline and airport customers, despite the increasing number of flights.”

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

Advertisement
ODU RT
First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

Aerospace

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

14 July 2025

Aerospace specialist Airframe Designs has appointed David Roberts as the new chairman of its Advisory Board, as it continues to expand its services in engineering and additive manufacturing to the aviation and related sectors worldwide.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025