• ADS and SAE International sign Cooperation Agreement to strengthen UK aerospace industry engagement in global standards development
  • The agreement will give ADS members greater opportunities to contribute to the development of future aviation standards
  • The signing took place during Farnborough International Airshow

 

Farnborough (22 July 2026) – ADS, the trade association representing the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, has signed a Cooperation Agreement with SAE International and the Performance Review Institute (PRI) to strengthen collaboration on aviation standards, accreditation and technical expertise.

The agreement creates a formal mechanism for UK aerospace companies represented by ADS to engage directly with SAE International’s globally recognised standards development activity. This will help ensure UK industry expertise informs future aviation standards while giving ADS members earlier visibility of emerging technologies, requirements and best practices.

As part of the agreement, ADS members will have access to relevant SAE International technical committees, providing opportunities to contribute directly to standards development in areas including advanced air mobility, electric and hybrid propulsion, eVTOL, rotorcraft, manufacturing, quality, maintenance, repair and overhaul, digital engineering and artificial intelligence.

Signed during Farnborough International Airshow, where more than 220 ADS members are exhibiting, the agreement will give ADS members greater access to emerging standards and technical developments, while strengthening collaboration through industry events, technical briefings and the sharing of expertise.

Balaji Srimoolanathan, Aerospace Director at ADS said:

“Standards play a critical role in enabling innovation, improving safety and supporting the commercialisation of emerging aerospace technologies. This agreement strengthens the connection between the UK’s aerospace industry and the global standards development process, giving ADS members greater opportunities to contribute their expertise and help shape the standards that will underpin the future of aviation.”

Peter Doty, Executive Vice President at SAE International commented:

“SAE’s standards, events and workforce development programs are truly global endeavours, bringing stakeholders together to advance the future of flight together. We are delighted to formally partner with ADS to enhance the engagement and influence of UK industry on the global development and adoption of innovative technologies in aerospace.”

ENDS.

Notes to editors:

  • ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with over 2,000 member businesses
  • Farnborough International, the world-leading events business responsible for the Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the ADS Group