Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

NATS signs contract extension with AAHK

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has agreed a contract extension with NATS Services to support the on-going secondment of Air Traffic Controllers.

Above: (left to right) Chapman Fong, AAHK Deputy Director, Corporate Development, Queena Pun, General Manager, HR Relationship Management, Martin Rolfe, NATS CEO and Ben Kiff, NATS Services International Director.
Courtesy NATS

The partnership, originally signed in 2018, will see NATS extend its commitment to provide world class controllers for Hong Kong International Airport until 2029.

Advertisement
ODU RT

As the Air Navigation Service Provider at the world’s busiest single and dual runway airports, NATS is well placed to understand what it takes to provide a safe and efficient service in the most demanding operational environments. It has successfully recruited experienced controllers from all over the world to support the growing Hong Kong operation.

With Hong Kong’s three runway system (3RS) now operational, HKIA will be able to reach the ultimate target of 102 flights per hour, with forecast demand up to 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tonnes of air cargo.

Chapman Fong, Deputy Director, Corporate Development of AAHK, said, “Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has a longstanding reputation as one of the few airports in the world leading in both passenger and cargo service, with extensive intermodal connectivity with the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai & Macau.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

“With the three-runway operation at HKIA commencing on 28 November 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be significantly enhanced, actualising its status as the international aviation hub. We encourage airlines to capture the opportunity to open more routes and increase frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong and enjoy our hub function to connect with the rest of the region.”

Martin Rolfe, NATS Chief Executive Officer, said: “The fact that the Airport Authority has continued to put their faith in NATS is testament to the incredibly strong relationship we’ve built and the results we’ve delivered so far. The scale of Hong Kong’s ambition and their embrace of technology is raising the bar for the industry and we are very proud to be playing a part in their ongoing success.”
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing, has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
CAA sets guidance on emissions information

Aerospace

CAA sets guidance on emissions information

5 February 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published a new framework that sets out guidance and principles on the information airlines and other booking organisations should provide to passengers.

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB