Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence

UK connector orders remain steady

In its Q2 report for 2024, Interconnect Technologies Suppliers Association (ITSA) members have seen orders holding steady but with a high degree of variation in key markets and some sectors actually experiencing significant gains.

Image courtesy ITSA

Billings were down 3% over Q1, confirming a flat year so far.

Some market sectors showing significant growth - Communications +44%, Mass Transport +29% and Test & Measurement +29%

The Military/Aero market - which is significant to ITSA members - took a hit and was down 18%. This was reported as due to programme slippage and political uncertainty.   

Advertisement
ODU RT

Value-added income performed well in Q2 for some product segments, with an increase of 39% in Fibre-Optics, RF up 48% and a 59% increase in Hybrid products.

Although ITSA continues to project only low minimal growth over the full-year, this view may clarify in the second-half, now that we have a new Labour government.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

According to the latest Make UK Manufacturing Outlook Survey, 69% of companies regard the delivery of an industrial strategy as the top priority.

Download a full copy of the ITSA Report here: https://itsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ITSA-Report-Q2-2024.pdf

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

Aerospace

Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

19 December 2025

London Gatwick has announced Mathieu Boutitie, currently Chief Technical Officer at Kansai Airports Group, as its new Chief Technical Officer, replacing Cedric Laurier who will rejoin VINCI Airports in Paris, with both appointments effective January 2026

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

Aerospace

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

17 December 2025

London Stansted has today secured planning approval from Uttlesford District Council to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

Aerospace Space

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

17 December 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has completed a move into its new flagship, purpose-built, Drone Operations Hub in Westcott Venture Park, equipping the company with a state-of-the-art centralised facility for its UK, European and global drone operations.

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

Aerospace Defence

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

17 December 2025

Three Midlands manufacturing and design specialists - outsourcing expert PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), electronics design and software developer ByteSnap Design and contract electronics manufacturer Kasdonare - have joined forces to launch VORS (Versatile Outsourcing in Resilient Systems).

Advertisement
ODU RT
SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

Aerospace

SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

17 December 2025

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has switched on a new Solar PV array at its production facility in Bridge of Weir, Scotland.

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB