Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Pattonair announces two senior appointments

Pattonair has announced two senior appointments in its global innovation team to help drive its strategic long-term business plans.

Pattonair has welcomed Kieran Murphy (above left) and Martin Cole (above right) into the newly-created positions of Innovation Manager at its Derby headquarters.

Their appointments come at an exciting time for the company, which has embarked on a $1.9 billion merger with US-based Wesco Aircraft Holdings and acquired aircraft spares company Adams Aviation. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

It is also at the forefront of the transition towards Industry 4.0, leveraging the opportunities around digitisation and automation of the supply chain to drive improved performance, which has been dubbed the fourth industrial revolution.

Kieran, 37, from Nottingham, has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and has a widespread knowledge of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). A previous role saw him working at Rolls-Royce’s R2 Data Labs identifying and implementing opportunities for digital transformation within the business.

“The opportunity is vast here, alongside a strong sense of drive and ambition,” said Kieran, who has recently been an account manager at QiO Technologies, an AI start-up business, where he worked with industrial customers to provide AI driven solutions for complex technical cost and energy problems.

Martin, 36, from Wolverhampton, brings more than ten years’ experience in the automotive, nuclear, aerospace and defence sectors to his new role.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Martin has acquired a strong technical knowledge base in manufacturing & supply-chain automation from his years of experience working as a consultant and system integrator. Martin previously helped large enterprises unleash potential, in his previous role as a managing consultant at the multinational professional service network, Deloitte.

Martin will be working with the global operations teams to utilise relevant opportunities to deliver greater efficiency, quality, and customer service via the application of new technology solutions within the warehousing network.
“I was engaged by this opportunity from the start,” said Martin. “Not many companies are ready to invest in Industry 4.0 or to reap its benefits, there is real scope here to deliver change.”

The men are joining a team of seven innovation and data specialists and will report to Jason Rance, Pattonair’s Global Innovation Director. Their appointments build on the company’s commitment to recruit the best talent in the region to maintain its position as the aerospace sectors leading provider of innovative supply chain solutions. 

“We are delighted to welcome them both,” said Jason. “They bring a wealth of experience and skills and will help to underline our reputation as an innovative leader in our industry.
 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
AirportsUK urges government to help increase competitiveness

Aerospace

AirportsUK urges government to help increase competitiveness

12 March 2026

At last night's AirportsUK Annual Dinner, senior aviation executives and politicians were given an insight into the size of the prize if government worked with the sector to increase competitiveness.

UK-first achieved in advanced materials

Aerospace Defence Space

UK-first achieved in advanced materials

11 March 2026

The UK has established its first sovereign manufacturing capability for ultrahigh temperature materials - vital for space, hypersonic and propulsion systems.

Smith Myers and HAT.tec integrate ARTEMIS with SCALE

Aerospace Security

Smith Myers and HAT.tec integrate ARTEMIS with SCALE

11 March 2026

Smith Myers Communications and HAT.tec have announced the integration of the ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location System (MPDLS) with the HAT.tec mission management system SCALE across the helicopter fleet of a major European law enforcement agency.

BBGA hosts annual conference and AGM at 50

Aerospace

BBGA hosts annual conference and AGM at 50

11 March 2026

The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) will host its annual conference and AGM on 12th March in London, 50 years on from the formation of its antecedent, the General Aviation Manufacturers’ and Traders’ Association (GAMTA).

Advertisement
ODU RT
HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

Aerospace Defence Events

HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

10 March 2026

HRH The Princess Royal visited Rotherham based MTL Advanced (part of WEC Group) on Friday 20th February to meet apprentices, engineers and senior leadership, gaining an insight into the company’s continued investment in skills development, innovation and regional growth and learning about its new Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC).

BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair

Aerospace

BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair

10 March 2026

Under renewed agreements, Baltic Ground Services (BGS) has extended its cooperation with Ryanair, to continue providing aircraft fuelling services for the airline at several airports across Northern and Central Europe.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner