Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Record year for Heathrow

Heathrow closed out 2025 in record-breaking style last month, with passenger numbers for the year surpassing 84 million for the first time ever and its busiest December on record, with almost 7.2 million passengers travelling through the airport.

Image courtesy Heathrow

Highlights of the year included Heathrow's busiest day ever on 1st August, when passenger numbers surpassed 270,000, outperforming 2024 in nine of 12 months and maintaining our position as the world’s most connected hub airport, delivering more choice for our passengers. 

Heathrow retained its position as Europe’s most punctual hub airport in December, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security. Baggage performance also improved to over 98% load rate in 2025, putting an extra quarter of a million bags on their intended flights compared to 2024. 

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

In December, Heathrow moved 138k tonnes of cargo, with the sixth, 14th and 20th setting 2025’s top three records for cargo handling. From goods to mail, the year-on-year weight carried increased by 12,600 tonnes in 2025.  

Heathrow is preparing for another record-breaking year in 2026 and plans to invest over £1.3 billion during the year in a further boost to customers and service.   

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “December’s record-breaking performance shows the strength of demand for Heathrow and the benefit to passengers of the great service our colleagues are providing. 

"Last year, there was no hub airport in Europe that was more punctual than Heathrow and we look forward to building on that success in 2026. With the Government’s support for our expansion plans and the right regulatory framework from the CAA to secure private investment, we can unlock even more of that connectivity, trade and economic growth for the UK.”   

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

Aerospace

Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

6 February 2026

Acron Aviation have signed a new multiyear contract with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to provide Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) training at its Bangkok Training Centre (BTC), further strengthening Acron Aviation’s position as a leading global provider of pilot training solutions.

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

6 February 2026

Hexagon has introduced Hyperscan, a portable and robust 3D scanning solution designed to deliver outstanding performance in complex industrial environments.

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB