NI aerospace innovation showcased at AIX

Above: (left to right) In advance of their attendance at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg as part of Invest Northern Ireland’s trade mission are IPC Mouldings Director Graeme Bennett, Product Development/Account Manager Francis McCartan of Bradfor Ltd and Ronan Callan, Exact Group’s Director of Operations.
Courtesy Invest Northern Ireland
 
Northern Ireland’s aerospace supply chain is surging ahead, emerging as one of the standout performers in advanced manufacturing as global demand for new aircraft and cabin upgrades gathers pace. Fresh data from industry body ADS shows commercial aircraft orders climbing sharply by 83% in early 2026, reaching their highest February level in three years. The figures underscore the sustained momentum in the global aerospace market and signal a wave of new opportunities for the region’s highly specialised supply chain companies.
 
With the UK providing more than 30% of all aircraft seats and over 7% of the world’s aircraft cabin interiors, three Northern Ireland-based companies, IPC Mouldings in Carrickfergus, The Exact Group in Newry and Bradfor Ltd in Rostrevor, are benefitting from this surge in demand through the supply of injection moulded components and assemblies, advanced coatings and engineered parts and high-performance textiles to major global aerospace manufacturers.
 
Collectively, the companies have reported strong growth in recent years, driven by their customer-centric strategies, ongoing investment in innovation, and continuous process improvements. This approach enables them to anticipate evolving customer requirements while meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards.
 
IPC Mouldings Director Graeme Bennett said: “Our technical plastic components and assemblies for aircraft seating are currently used in over two million commercial aircraft seats worldwide, with demand for new aircraft interiors being driven in part by high-volume retrofit and cabin upgrade programmes.
 
“Not only does this reflect the expertise and dedication of our team, but it also reinforces our commitment to investing in innovation and sustainable manufacturing to support the future growth of the aerospace sector.”
 
As a manufacturer of high-precision CNC components, advanced coatings and engineered solutions, The Exact Group has also experienced significant growth, securing new Tier 1 and OEM customers.
 
Ronan Callan, Exact Group’s Director of Operations commented: “As a trusted supply chain provider to top-tier companies, we have delivered major projects for leading global aerospace manufacturers, including as certified applicators of Cerakote since 2021. This innovative coating is helping customers move towards net zero targets by enabling more eco-friendly and carbon-neutral solutions.
 
“Over the past four years, we have gained strong traction across the aircraft interiors sector, with key contracts secured. The use of advanced coatings has helped reduce processing time and costs, while also lowering the overall weight of components.”
 
Bradfor Ltd, based in Rostrevor, is celebrating 30 years of supplying premium aircraft textiles and seat components to airlines worldwide. Its reputation for quality, innovation and reliability has enabled the company to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
 
Product Development/Account Manager Francis McCartan of Bradfor Ltd said: “Our success is built on expertise and dependability as a supply chain partner, consistently delivering high-quality, value-added products and services in a cost-effective and timely manner.”
 
All three companies will showcase their capabilities at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg as part of Invest Northern Ireland’s trade mission. The event provides an important platform to engage with global airlines and OEMs, demonstrate Northern Ireland’s expertise and highlight the region’s ability to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for next-generation aircraft interiors.

“The continued rise in aircraft orders and deliveries signals strong confidence in the aviation sector and presents significant opportunities for companies like ours,” said Graeme Bennett. “However, maintaining this momentum will depend on how effectively the industry can respond to ongoing supply chain challenges and build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.”
 
Northern Ireland’s aerospace supply chain companies remain focused on collaboration and innovation. Their shared ethos – ‘Stronger together, by building a better supply chain, excellence can be achieved’ – underscores their commitment to advancing the aerospace industry.