Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Simoco opens dedicated Heathrow NOC

Derby-headquartered Simoco Wireless Solutions has opened a Network Operations Centre (NOC) at Heathrow, which includes a 24/7 monitoring, troubleshooting and maintenance service for radio networks.

Above: Heathrow Airport.
Courtesy Simoco

The NOC has been created to look after a collection of mission-critical communications networks which keep operations within Heathrow running smoothly and draws on Simoco’s specialist experience in the aviation sector.

The NOC covers networks at 26 separate locations around the UK, including; 11 bus depots, the radio communications network on the new Elizabeth Line Crossrail link, two data centres and two separate telematics software platforms, used for tracking vehicles involved in airport operations.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

A mixture of digital (DMR) and analogue radio technologies are in place at Heathrow, with equipment provided from a range of different manufacturers, so the capabilities within the NOC are similarly broad. In total, Simoco is supporting around 11,000 devices and 180 separate customers across the UK & Ireland with this Network Operations Centre. The NOC is also being utilised to complete network administration tasks including system statistics reports, freeing up engineering resource to concentrate on mission-critical operations.

Whenever a network incident is identified Simoco’s expert operatives categorise the issue over the phone and this rapid decision making prevents smaller incidents from escalating into significant operational disruption. Should a critical incident occur, customers are updated throughout the lifespan of that incident, and provided with up to date progress reports until the issue is resolved.



Above:
Simoco Wireless Solutions' headquarters, in Derby.
Courtesy Simoco

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Ian Carr, Chief Operating Officer at Simoco Wireless Solutions, said: “We’ve worked hard to build specialist aviation expertise at Simoco, maximising our capabilities at delivering truly mission-critical communications networks. Heathrow, like any airport, incorporates a huge range of different security areas and communications networks, all of which need to work seamlessly together to keep the airport operating smoothly.

“By running a NOC from Heathrow, we can offer a truly end-to-end managed service.”

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Saxon Air adds AW139 to its fleet

Aerospace

Saxon Air adds AW139 to its fleet

3 March 2026

In a landmark moment for the business, Saxon Air has introduced a brand-new Agusta AW139, registration G-MCFC, to its managed fleet, representing a significant step change in size, capability and operational reach.

Babcock’s Festival of Engineering inspires Bristol’s young innovators

Aerospace Defence Events

Babcock’s Festival of Engineering inspires Bristol’s young innovators

3 March 2026

More than 400 schoolchildren and teachers from across Bristol and the South West unleashed their inner engineer this week when they got stuck into robotics and virtual reality welding as part of a two day STEM-athon run by Babcock International Group.

Viasat and Galaxy 1 to enhance Velaris

Aerospace Security Space

Viasat and Galaxy 1 to enhance Velaris

3 March 2026

Galaxy 1 Communications is working with Viasat to enhance delivery of Velaris, Viasat’s dedicated satellite communications service for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.

Aurrigo to provide ground handling at East Midlands Airport

Aerospace

Aurrigo to provide ground handling at East Midlands Airport

3 March 2026

Coventry headquartered Aurrigo has been awarded a licence for the provision of Ground Handling Services at East Midlands Airport (EMA).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Affinity marks 10 years delivering mission ready aircraft

Aerospace

Affinity marks 10 years delivering mission ready aircraft

3 March 2026

Lincolnshire based Affinity Flying Services (Affinity) is marking a decade of delivering aircraft services to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

IATA sees air passenger and air cargo demand up in January

Aerospace

IATA sees air passenger and air cargo demand up in January

2 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for January 2026, revealing that global passenger demand was up 3.8%, whilst air cargo demand increased by 5.6%.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner