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
ODU RT

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
Hexagon leaderboard
AirAsia orders 150 A220s

Aerospace

AirAsia orders 150 A220s

7 May 2026

Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft, which is the largest single firm order placed for the A220 and propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.

Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

Aerospace Defence Security

Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

7 May 2026

Voyant today announced the appointment of James Norwood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Weald Electronics celebrates 50th Anniversary

Aerospace Defence

Weald Electronics celebrates 50th Anniversary

6 May 2026

Horsham based Weald Electronics Ltd, a major UK manufacturer of electrical connectors and accessories for defence and demanding industrial applications established on 27th April 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Cross Manufacturing expands AS9100 Certification across all its sites

Aerospace Defence

Cross Manufacturing expands AS9100 Certification across all its sites

6 May 2026

Cross Manufacturing has announced that its Devizes North site has successfully achieved AS9100 certification, completing a key stage of the company’s strategic expansion to support customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Downtown Skyport welcomes multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights

Aerospace

Downtown Skyport welcomes multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights

6 May 2026

Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) welcomed multiple point-to-point eVTOL flights to Downtown Skyport - New York’s first - during Joby’s '2026 Electric Skies Tour' New York City Flight Campaign, which took place between 23rd April - 1st May 2026.

UK Government to advance drone and flying taxi tech

Aerospace Security

UK Government to advance drone and flying taxi tech

5 May 2026

Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the Government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector today, whilst also aiming to crack down on the illegal uses of drones.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner