The second round of aerospace focused special interest group (SIG) have recently reconvened for the second quarter with strong momentum. Several common threads emerged, underscoring a shared focus on strategic alignment, regulatory engagement, and sustainable innovation.

From Advanced Air Mobility to the Supply Chain and Regulation groups, all groups grappled with balancing short-term pressures; such as supply chain fragility and energy costs, with long-term priorities like decarbonisation, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. Collaboration remained a central theme, whether through co-leadership on government programmes, joint industry forums, or cross-sector knowledge sharing. Each group also demonstrated a strong commitment to influencing policy, accelerating innovation, and enabling practical pathways for industry advancement.

Below is a short summary of the key discussions in our groups:

Strategy Groups

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

  • ADS is supporting DfT and CAA in shaping future aviation policy and regulation through the reinstated Future Flight Industry Group (FFIG).
  • ADS and ARPAS-UK will co-lead the FFIG Industry Working Group, providing technical oversight and evidence-based recommendations for the Future of Flight programme.
  • AAM SIG members have provided valuable input to the CAA’s Technical Delivery Model for eVTOL, which will be published in September.
  • ADS will continue leveraging the AAM SIG to advocate for commercialisation support, engaging with government departments and reviewing necessary policy and fiscal measures.

Sustainable Aerospace Board (SAB):

  • SAB met at Sustainable Skies to discuss UK aerospace decarbonisation, with ADS leading updates on sustainable air fuel (SAF) policy, including the Revenue Certainty Mechanism and cross-government consultations.
  • ADS has submitted a response accepting the levy on fuel suppliers while suggesting that Emissions Trading System (ETS) funds be considered for future sustainability initiatives, recognising that industry resources are finite.
  • ICF’s global SAF market outlook and technical insights from Safran experts highlighted SAF supply challenges, with discussions on cost dynamics, international fuel standards, and the need for UK investment in non-HEFA production.
  • SAB will shape the sector’s response to the 7th Carbon Budget, focusing on SAF modelling and assumptions ahead of the next meeting on 11 September in London.

Sustainability Network

  • The Q2 Sustainability Network meeting brought together members to share progress and insights on key environmental initiatives across the aerospace and defence sectors.
  • The session opened with a sector-wide update on Sustainable Aviation, followed by a roundtable discussion on the role of sustainability within the Strategic Defence Review process.
  • Members also received updates from ADS on ESG developments, sustainable materials work, and upcoming engagement at DSEI, highlighting industry efforts to embed sustainability throughout the supply chain and innovation pipeline.
  • The meeting concluded with initial planning for the Q3 session, with AI emerging as a key area of focus for future discussion.

Supply Chain Groups

Aerospace Export Focus Group (AEFG)

  • The AEFG had much to discuss in our June meeting. George Dietz, ADS Economics & Data Adviser, provided an update on tariffs including insight into the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) and tariff impact on UK plc and ADS’ sectors.
  • The group was joined by Bhaskar Thota from the UK India Business Council, who presented on UK – India aerospace sector insights. This included an overview of the Indian economy, market highlights and regulatory environment, and key opportunities areas for UK companies.
  • The Q2 meeting  provided the group with a ‘launch-pad’ into the Paris Air Show. ADS presented the key activities and events planned throughout the week, helping members to ensure they maximised the value of their visits to Paris.

Aerospace Suppliers Forum (ASF)

  • ASF engaged with Rolls-Royce in a dedicated Supplier Engagement event, fostering collaboration and strategic dialogue on supply chain development for mid-tier and SME aerospace businesses.
  • Key challenges discussed included industrial energy costs, access to finance, structural issues in civil aerospace, and the need for R&D support, all within the context of building a globally competitive UK supply chain strategy.
  • Looking ahead, the next ASF meeting will coincide with the ADS Toulouse Annual Event, featuring insights from the inaugural ASF Supply Chain Pulse Survey and engagement with leading French aerospace organisations.

Digital Transformation for Aerospace & Defence (DTAD)

  • DTAD played an active role in the Aerospace Digitalisation event, co-hosted by the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), focusing on digital capability, cybersecurity, and collaborative innovation for resilient operations.
  • DTAD is contributing to World Quality Week 2025, which will spotlight digital solutions and innovation in quality assurance and continuous improvement across aerospace. The programme will showcase transformative technologies and strategies, with registration now open for those interested in attending.
  • Looking ahead, ADS have launched two new member services:

Systems & Equipment Group (SESIG)

  • SESIG met at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions to explore obsolescence management, featuring live demos of advanced metrology technologies.
  • Expert speakers from Rochester Electronics, STI Ltd, and IIOM UK highlighted the importance of early planning, BOM transparency, and regulatory awareness in extending product lifecycles.
  • Key themes included proactive design-phase planning, multi-tier supply chain visibility, and staying ahead of regulatory and market shifts to manage long-term obsolescence risks.

Regulation Groups

Airworthiness Board (AWB)

  • The AWB provided comment and feedback to the DfT Aviation Safety Regulatory Framework, and have fed into the CAA’s early engagement on the Scheme of Charges.
  • There is a review of the Regulatory Groups and the frequency, and looking at how the CASG and MASG feeds into this.

Civil Aviation Safety Group (CASG)

  • The Q2 CASG meeting highlighted progress in the CAA’s digital transformation, including updates on the Six.N programme, licensing enhancements, and improved user engagement.
  • Members contributed insights to refine digital services, with continued industry collaboration encouraged to better meet sector needs.
  • Updates were also shared on emerging technologies and evolving policy frameworks, including support for VTOL and RPAS certification.

Military Aviation Safety Group (MASG)

  • The Q2 MASG meeting provided members with updates following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review as well as ongoing work from the ADS Head of Commercial and what the interlink with the DEFSTANS.
  • The Interim Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Head of Regulation and Certification provided an update on the MAA’s organisational restructure, as well as resourcing pressures that the regulator continues to face. Similar to the CAA, the MAA reaffirmed its commit to engagement with the ADS SIGs.

Looking Ahead…

Stay tuned for more detailed follow-ups on the upcoming events of our special interest groups. If you are interested in joining any of the above, do not hesitate to contact our team (ollie.wilson@adsgroup.org.uk) or apply using the ADS Members Area.