Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Security

NPAS base reopens at Lippitts Hill

At the request of the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) has re-established a helicopter base at Lippitts Hill, Epping Forest, Essex, which will provide support for the policing of London.

Image courtesy NPAS

NPAS crews, working with four EC145 helicopters, will operate 24-hours, seven days a week, from the newly-refurbished base, to support the policing of London.

The 34-strong team includes pilots, Tactical Flight Officers and Base Managers.

For the last two years, the capital has been served primarily from the NPAS base at North Weald, Essex – although as a national service, aircraft can be deployed from anywhere across England and Wales when called upon to do so.

Advertisement
ODU RT

NPAS has retained its base at North Weald and crews from there continue to serve the  East and South East of England, alongside colleagues based in Redhill, Surrey and Benson, Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The re-instatement of the Lippitts Hill base brings NPAS’s total number of bases to 15, with a current total fleet of 19 helicopters and four aeroplanes.
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

29 April 2026

According to trade association ADS, commercial aircraft orders rose 9% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to this period last year, reaching 569 orders and marking the highest order number for any Q1 since 2013, largely driven by a 25% increase in single-aisle aircraft orders, indicating that demand for short-haul travel continues to grow.

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

Aerospace

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

28 April 2026

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

Aerospace

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

28 April 2026

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

28 April 2026

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

Aerospace Security

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

28 April 2026

Glasgow Airport successfully hosted a multiagency emergency training exercise on Thursday 23rd April, carried out between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

Aerospace

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

28 April 2026

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner