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
FIA2026 animated banner
Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

Aerospace

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

28 April 2026

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

Aerospace

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

28 April 2026

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

28 April 2026

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

Aerospace Security

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

28 April 2026

Glasgow Airport successfully hosted a multiagency emergency training exercise on Thursday 23rd April, carried out between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

Aerospace

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

28 April 2026

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

Aerospace

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

28 April 2026

March had the busiest day of the year so far, for flights taking off from, landing into and flying through UK airspace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner