Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NI firms acknowledge latest aerospace trends as AIX returns

Aerospace Events

NI firms acknowledge latest aerospace trends as AIX returns

As the aviation industry rebounds, three manufacturing companies from Northern Ireland (NI) are set to highlight the latest trend in the aerospace sector, as well as showcase their products and capabilities at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), which takes place from 14th to 16th June in Hamburg, Germany.

Above: (left to right) Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd; Stephen Cromie, Managing Director of The Exact Group and Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings.
Courtesy Naked PR

With the latest trend focused on the customer’s experience and comfort, it’s not surprising that the three companies have collaborated to imaginatively showcase their innovative products on the Invest Northern Ireland stand at this global exhibition.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The stand hosting Rostrevor based seat cover manufacturer, Bradfor Ltd; Newry rapid response, volume precision engineering and composite finishing company, The Exact Group; and Carrickfergus plastic injection moulding company, IPC Mouldings, will feature a figure made from precision engineered parts, chairs with aircraft seat covers a lamp and a table which have been customised by using injection moulded components.

All three companies, which contribute to Northern Ireland’s national and regional prosperity, exporting globally and employing over 250 people between them, are paying homage to the latest trends in cabin products and services within the aerospace sector.

Rostrevor based Bradfor Ltd has been a leading manufacturer of textiles for the aerospace industry for over 25 years, specialising in the manufacture of seating covers, diaphragms, life vest pouches, straps and general upholstery for the local and international aerospace sector.

Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd said: “Given the hiatus in exhibitions these last two years, we are really looking forward to attending this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. It is a key must-attend event in this sector, and it is an excellent platform for us to present our product range to both seating manufacturers and airlines. Given our recent award by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 21G accreditation, this is a great opportunity to showcase our company’s capabilities allowing for further growth within this sector. We are really excited to work together and showcase all that is good about Northern Ireland’s trusted supply chain.”

Staged annually, apart from its cancellation in 2020 and a virtual event last year, the Aircraft Interiors Expo, AIX 2022, is a vibrant business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of leading suppliers to Europe, and international aircraft interiors professionals and airlines with the latest innovations, technologies and products.

Joining Bradfor Ltd on the Invest NI stand is The Exact Group. Renowned for its high-quality service, delivery and performance, the company’s expertise in precision engineering and composite finishing, coupled with cutting-edge equipment and techniques, ensure that it remains the supplier of choice primarily in the aerospace and defence sectors.  

Stephen Cromie, Managing Director of The Exact Group said: “The Northern Ireland supply chain has been presented with an opportunity for growth as organisations look for trusted and valued supply chain partners that are not within low-cost countries. By attending the Expo, we can promote our supply chain excellence to the global aerospace market as we are well positioned to provide high quality, on time delivery and best practice solutions. The design of the stand reflects the current trends in the marketplace, and we aspire to attract and engage new customers, as well as have the opportunity to converse with our current customers.”

IPC Mouldings, an award-winning leading provider of injection moulded parts and assemblies creates seamless integration between design, procurement, engineering and production supporting product whole life.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, IPC Mouldings commented: “We are excited and looking forward to AIX Expo 2022. It is an excellent opportunity for IPC to meet with our customers, collaborative partners and suppliers face to face to discuss all things interiors. We are delighted to once again, join Bradfor Ltd and The Exact Group on the Invest NI stand to showcase our capability, and share how we have played our part in some of the sector’s most recent and innovative seating solutions.”

All AS9100 accredited and successful participants in the SC21 aerospace programme, the AIX Expo 2022 will allow Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings to meet top industry experts and buyers and showcase how collaboration and performance is key to providing an excellent customer partnership.

Bradfor Ltd, The Exact Group and IPC Mouldings are exhibiting as part of the Invest NI exhibition stand.

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

Aerospace

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

1 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3 million investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

31 March 2026

Rolls-Royce has secured €64million in funding from the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) to lead UNIFIED (Ultra Novel and Innovative Fully Integrated Engine Demonstrations), a collaborative research project supporting the development and planned ground testing of the UltraFan 30 demonstrator.

IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

Aerospace

IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

31 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for February 2026 showing global passenger demand was up 6.1% and air cargo demand rose by 11.2%, compared to February 2025 levels.

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

Aerospace

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

31 March 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published its Initial Proposals for the maximum fees that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) can charge airlines for using the airport for the H8 regulatory period, which runs from January 2027 until the end of 2031.

Advertisement
ODU RT
MAG appoints AtkinsRéalis to support growth strategy

Aerospace

MAG appoints AtkinsRéalis to support growth strategy

31 March 2026

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to support its long-term strategic vision for growth, passenger experience improvement and future investment in its infrastructure.

Skyports partners with HOCHTIEF on drone aerial surveying

Aerospace

Skyports partners with HOCHTIEF on drone aerial surveying

30 March 2026

Skyports Drone Services has partnered with HOCHTIEF to provide automated BVLOS 'drone-in-a-box' aerial surveying of the Rheinbrücke Leverkusen bridge construction site, on the River Rhein, north of Cologne, Germany.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner