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
ODU RT

“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
FIA2026 animated banner
FAC and Defence Connect link up

Aerospace

FAC and Defence Connect link up

5 June 2026

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Defence Connect have announced a partnership which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators in Westminster to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in defence.

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

5 June 2026

Smiths Detection's Explosives Detection System (EDS) HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo has progressed from the 'Approved' section to the 'Qualified' section of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

Aerospace Events

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

5 June 2026

On 1st June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

4 June 2026

Rolls-Royce has reached a major milestone for its Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine, which has delivered almost double the baseline of anticipated fuel savings during its first year in service.

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

4 June 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero. This achievement follows three consecutive years of maintaining Level 3 status.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB