​Paisley, Scotland – Leading aviation leather supplier Muirhead is set to unveil its chrome- and heavy metal-free FreeTAN® tanning solution with free FR technology at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2024.
 
The Scottish manufacturer has fully replaced its existing tanning chemistry with compostable technology, marking a significant stride in its commitment to eliminating the use of fossil fuels, oil-based elements, and heavy metals from all its operations and products.
 
The resulting product, FreeTAN® with free FR technology, is completely free from heavy metals, chrome, and glutaraldehyde. This not only reduces its environmental impact but also ensures the product continues to meet customers’ exacting performance standards.
 
In addition, FreeTAN® maintains the manufacturer’s status as the leading flame-retardant leather in the industry. Its free FR technology is an efficient, non-toxic, halogen-free fire-retardant treatment that offers the lowest environmental impact aviation leather available today.
 
Visitors to Booth 6E95 at AIX 2024 can learn more about Muirhead’s industry-leading aviation products, processes, and innovations.
 
Stephen Hems, Innovation Manager, Muirhead, said: “Tanning is a crucial part of leather production, whereby raw hides are treated in drums to transform them into our high-performance material. For over two decades, we’ve invested heavily in new initiatives to develop future-proof tanning systems that deliver unparalleled consistency and high technical excellence without relying on chrome salts and glutaraldehyde.
 
“These ground-breaking technologies are a vital next step in our journey to increase the bio-based renewable carbon content of our leather to 90% and above. However, this marks just the beginning. The leather of the future is 100% bio-based, entirely chrome-free, heavy metal-free, aldehyde-free, and fully biodegradable.”
 
Myles Hobbs, Aviation Director EMEA and The Americas at Muirhead, added: “Our pioneering FreeTAN® technology was developed to meet the aviation industry’s growing need for real leather solutions that further optimise and improve environmental sustainability. It enables us to enhance the biodegradability and compostability properties of our products, all without compromising on technical performance.
 
“Meanwhile, our free FR technology is a highly efficient flame-retardant treatment, refined over the years through rigorous testing and development, free from many harmful substances, like heavy metals, fluorocarbon and bio-accumulative chemicals. These, together with the world’s lowest Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for leather, make Muirhead FreeTAN® with free FR a leader in the supply of the lowest-carbon aviation leather available today.”

​Renowned for producing the world’s lowest-carbon aviation leather, Muirhead boasts a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of just 8kg CO2e/m2, helping its customers to reduce their own carbon impact directly. Its patented circular manufacturing process incorporates energy recovery, water reuse, renewable energy, locally sourced materials with 100% traceability, and a unique take-back scheme for end-of-life leather. All its raw hides come from responsible farms with the highest standards of animal welfare and zero deforestation.
 
Recently, the company announced the opening of its £14 million, hyper-efficient Super Tannery to further enhance the production of the world’s lowest-carbon leather products.

​Bridge of Weir, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of the lowest carbon high performance leather to some of the world’s most respected airlines and seat manufacturers, is set to showcase three sustainable leather innovations at next month’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg.

The Scottish firm, which has developed a cutting-edge circular process for leather manufacture, says its three flagship aviation products were designed to help airlines overcome everyday cabin design challenges and decrease their carbon impact.

Equipped with lightweight, self-disinfecting, and anti-soil properties, the manufacturer’s high performance leather innovations are trusted by more than 160 airlines, airframe and seating manufacturers globally – as well as most European bus, coach, and rail operators.

Archie Browning, Sales Director at Muirhead, said: “At Muirhead, innovation and sustainable development are deeply intertwined. With every new product innovation, we seek to further reduce our carbon footprint – while simultaneously empowering our airline customers to reduce fuel burn, maintain impeccable hygiene standards, and embrace lighter colours with confidence.

“Through two decades of sustainable innovation and substantial investments in our state-of-the-art facilities, we continue to push boundaries in sustainability, technical performance, and cutting-edge creativity. This is why we look forward to showcasing our high-performance LightCore™, ActiveHygiene, and CareGuard™ products at AIX this year, and helping the industry overcome some of the greatest barriers to sustainable cabin design.”

Myles Hobbs, Head of Aviation EMEA at Muirhead, added: “Sustainability and circularity are at the core of everything we do, which is why we continue to set the benchmark as the lowest carbon impact leather available to the aviation sector – at just 8kg CO2e/m2.

“Together with our parent company, Scottish Leather Group, we have developed an industry-leading circular manufacturing process that involves sourcing all our rawhides locally, reclaiming energy from our process waste, and turning by-products into much-needed raw materials for other industries.

“The result is a high performance aviation leather that not only caters to the demands of both airlines and passengers, but also empowers our customers to make a tangible impact on their own journeys towards net zero.”

Muirhead’s three newest product innovations, which will be showcased at AIX next month, include its lightweight LightCore™ innovation, its CareGuard™ anti-soil product, as well as its self-disinfecting ActiveHygiene leather.

• LightCore™ is Muirhead’s lightweight full substance leather, re-engineered using a pioneering tanning process to help airlines reduce fuel burn. LightCore™ weighs up to 33% less than standard leather without sacrificing performance, safety, or comfort, and can deliver substantial lifetime weight savings for airlines.
  
  
• CareGuard™ provides superior protection for aviation seating against soiling and staining, including dye transfer and dirt build-up – empowering airlines to choose lighter colours with confidence. CareGuard™ significantly reduces maintenance requirements, speeds up turnaround times, and prolongs service life.

• ActiveHygiene is the first ever leather for aviation interiors to feature built-in antimicrobial properties. It is a natural material that uses the latest Polygiene BioMaster™ technology, integrated at the manufacturing stage, to eliminate 99% of bacteria and viruses* from cabin seat surfaces – safeguarding passengers and reducing turnaround times.

At stand 6E95, visitors to this year’s AIX can also learn more about the leather lifecycle, from raw materials to end-of-life recycling, and immerse themselves in Muirhead’s newest leather design concepts at the manufacturer’s multisensory Design Garden.

Bridge of Weir, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of the lowest carbon high performance leather to some of the world’s most respected airlines and seat manufacturers, has today unveiled its newest design directions for aviation leather.
 
The new conceptual collection – which revolves around the theme ‘ReWILDing’ – was inspired by the firm’s Scottish provenance and unwavering commitment to sustainability and circularity. The theme will take centre stage on Muirhead’s stand (6E95) at the highly anticipated Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg this year, as part of its interactive Design Garden studio.
 
Based on extensive industry insights from market intelligence agencies, and drawing inspiration from cross-industry material and fashion developments, Muirhead’s new design directions reflect some of the latest and most influential design trends in 2023. These include sustainability, technology, and biophilic design.
 
The ReWILDing concept, developed by Muirhead’s in-house design experts, champions the importance of biophilic design principles that showcase the connection between nature and human well-being.
 
Debra Choong, Design Manager at Muirhead and the Scottish Leather Group, said: “Every day, our in-house design experts work closely with airlines and manufacturers to co-create the perfect leather for their needs. To guide them through this process, we offer fresh insight around the latest cross-industry design and material trends, and translate these into conceptual designs to further inspire, challenge, and excite our customers.
 
“Our ReWILDing concept is a seamless blend of contemporary ideas, such as biophilic design, and further inspiration from our own surroundings. Not only have we pioneered circular leather manufacturing by recovering energy and by-products from process waste and end-of-life leather, but we’re also proud to be surrounded by Scotland’s epic landscapes and pristine wilderness. With that, it’s no surprise sustainability and Scottish nature were both integral to Muirhead’s design directions this year.
 
“At its core, ReWILDing is about restoring natural ecosystems with the reintroduction of native species. We have further distilled this into three new design directions, which respond to the challenges of the 21st century – ensuring our valued customers can stay ahead of the curve and that the designs we create today remain relevant for the next decade.”

The ReWILDing collection translates the prevailing industry trends into three aesthetic design directions, helping customers make informed choices when it comes to finding the perfect colours, materials, and finishes for their genuine leather interiors. Each design direction takes inspiration from one of Scotland’s unique and distinctive habitats:

1. Mountains & Moorlands. With romantic undertones conveyed through a hazy colour palette of ethereal hues and pigments, this holistic approach promotes healing, connection, and creativity. Designed for a world where health and well-being are paramount, it invokes a sense of relaxation and offers an escape from the everyday, by blending reality with the imaginary.
   
   
2. Wetlands. This direction draws inspiration from the principles of biomimicry to tell a story of balance and contrast. Its earthly, grounded tones evoke an earth-bound narrative, which neatly captures the growing interest in natural products and highlights the traditional craft of upcycling rawhides – a natural by-product of the food industry – into aesthetic and durable materials.
   
   
3. Grasslands. With a highly energised palette and dynamic contrast, this direction is inspired by the weird and wonderful aspects of nature. The nuanced brights represent recycled and reclaimed materials, challenging the waste culture and encouraging visible rejuvenation. The mood is lively and bold, embracing change and transformation – while the use of natural hues promotes a sense of grounding and connection with the environment.

 
ReWILDing emphasises the role of sustainable manufacturing processes – as well as the use of long-lasting, reusable materials – in minimising the impact on the natural environment. The concept echoes Muirhead’s enduring dedication to circularity, exemplified by its pioneering Thermal Energy and Ultrafiltration plants.
 
At AIX 2023, Muirhead’s Design Garden will entice visitors with an interactive, multisensory experience, designed to showcase the lifecycle of the lowest carbon leather and its effect on the design process – from raw materials to end-of-life recycling.
 
Muirhead specialises in creating bespoke products to elevate its customers’ brands. With full control of the process from natural raw material sourcing to finished product, the company is well known for its colour expertise and its ability to develop custom dyes and finishes to match the customer’s exact specifications.
 
In addition to colour, Muirhead’s cutting-edge, in-house facilities also include textures, patterns, perforations, and branding. The manufacturer can emboss, deboss, perforate, semi-perforate, and even digitally print leather in full colour.
 
Visitors to this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg can learn more about Muirhead’s high performance leather products – including its lightweight, full substance LightCore™ innovation – at stand 6E95.

​Bridge of Weir, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of Fine Scottish Leather to some of the world’s most respected passenger transport and aviation brands, will showcase its self-disinfecting ActiveHygiene technology at Euro Bus Expo 2022 in Birmingham next week.
 
Developed to safeguard passengers and rebuild confidence after COVID-19, Muirhead’s ActiveHygiene leather with Polygiene Biomaster ViralOff® technology is a sustainable product with built-in antimicrobial self-cleaning properties – permanently integrated into the leather during production.
 
Kevin Smith, Head of Mass Transit, Muirhead, said: “Since the pandemic, the bus and coach sector has seen a rapid increase in demand for best-in-class seat hygiene. This is why we’re proud to showcase Muirhead’s innovative ActiveHygiene technology – an immediate solution to the challenges of the pandemic, enhancing the hygiene and protection of passenger transport interiors for the future.”
 
Using the latest ViralOff® technology, developed by Swedish company Polygiene AB, Muirhead’s ActiveHygiene leather reduces bacteria and viruses including SARS-CoV-2 – the cause of COVID-19 – by more than 99% in less than two hours.*
 
Renowned for creating the lowest carbon leather in the world, Muirhead is trusted by most European bus, coach, and rail operators for its exceptional durability, comfort, and reduced total cost of ownership.

​Archie Browning, Sales Director, Muirhead, added: “Muirhead has been manufacturing the finest sustainable Scottish leather since 1840, with innovation at the very heart of the business. Known for its luxury and durability, Muirhead has developed new products that offer a more hygienic solution for customers increasingly focused on well-being and lighter weight materials – supporting the move to greater efficiency and greener mobility solutions.”
 
“All Muirhead leather is made in the UK and sets the benchmark as the lowest carbon leather available to the transportation sector – making it the most durable, hard-wearing, and long-lasting material for bus and coach interiors.”
 
Visitors to this year’s Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham can meet the Muirhead team at stand C78. Seat designs using high-performance Muirhead leather will also be on display at the Isringhausen, Lazzerini, Alexander Dennis, Kiel Seating, TEK Seating, Chapman Driver Seats, and Pelican Bus & Coach.

​NOTES TO EDITORS
 
*Against tested viruses, SARS-CoV-2, H3N2 and H1N1 - according to ISO18184:2019. No specialist cleaning is required. Polygiene Biomaster ViralOff® does not prevent diseases but protects the treated material.
 
Polygiene Biomaster antimicrobial technology complements existing cleaning protocols, working between cleans. Treatment is always-on, built-in to the leather as part of our sustainable manufacturing process. Tested to 50,000 cycles on the Martindale abrasion rub test (ISO 12947-2).
 
About Muirhead
 
Muirhead, established in 1840 and part of the Scottish Leather Group, is one of Europe's oldest tanneries; it is widely recognised as a leader in responsible and future-looking innovation of a versatile range of Fine Scottish Leather for a select group of prestigious global brands. Muirhead leathers are made to travel the world - on 160 airlines, in mass transit cabins, and in the marine, furniture, and luxury goods industries.
 
www.muirhead.co.uk
 
About the Scottish Leather Group
Founded in 1965, Scottish Leather Group (SLG) is the leading manufacturer of leather in the United Kingdom and produces the finest sustainable leather for the world’s most respected companies.
 
Through its specialist businesses - Bridge of Weir Leather, Lang and Muirhead – the Group leads the leather industry in the responsible and sustainable production of leather and serves the global automotive, aviation, bus, coach, rail, furniture, and consumer goods sectors from its operations located in Scotland, China, and Mexico.
 
https://www.scottishleathergroup.com

Bridge of Weir, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of Fine Scottish Leather to some of the world’s most respected airlines and seat manufacturers, has joined the Green Cabin Alliance (GCA) to reaffirm its commitment to creating the world’s lowest carbon leather.
 
Muirhead, part of the Scottish Leather Group, operates a unique, cutting-edge circular process for leather manufacture – incorporating energy recovery, water recycling, renewable energy, and locally sourced traceable hides.
 
Dr Warren Bowden, Head of Sustainability and Innovation, Scottish Leather Group, said: “We’re proud to be the global leader in responsible leather production, and so we look forward to taking concrete steps towards the decarbonisation of aircraft cabins – and working with respected industry partners who share our commitment to lower-carbon and naturally sustainable materials in cabin design.
 
“As a by-product of the food industry, real leather is naturally sustainable – and so is our business. Thanks to our innovative manufacturing processes, we’ve created the world’s lowest carbon intensity leather, backed by rigorous analysis. Working with our Green Cabin Alliance partners, we encourage the cabin design and manufacturing sector to ramp up their carbon footprint reporting and take full-life emissions into account.”
 
Elina Kopola, Founding Director of the Green Cabin Alliance, said: “The Green Cabin Alliance is excited to welcome new member Muirhead, a globally renowned supplier of leather materials for cabin and other applications, to our growing group of organisations who are placing sustainability high on their agendas. The GCA looks forward to collaborating with Muirhead in addressing the challenge of creating more sustainable, resilient supply chains in our industry. We hope that our relationship with Muirhead will help us to advance the overall aims of the GCA, by leveraging their knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm when it comes to sustainability.”
 
Trusted by more than 160 airlines and manufacturers globally, Muirhead’s high-performance aviation leather is a 100% circular product. The group’s significant investments in circular manufacturing have enabled it to minimise waste to landfill and radically reduce its carbon footprint – from farm to cut material and seat covers.
 
The process involves a patented thermal energy plant that generates heat from waste to power the tannery, sourcing and recycling water from its very own loch, and a pioneering 'Take-Back Scheme' for end-of-life leather products.
 
Besides joining the GCA, Muirhead and the Scottish Leather Group are committed to the UN Global Compact and measure their sustainability performance against all 17 Sustainability Development Goals. The group has been awarded Gold standard by the Leather Working Group and achieved an overall score of 95%, with 100% on traceability.

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Muirhead
 
Muirhead, established in 1840 and part of the Scottish Leather Group, is one of Europe's oldest tanneries; it is widely recognised as a leader in responsible and future-looking innovation of a versatile range of Fine Scottish Leather for a select group of prestigious global brands. Muirhead leathers are made to travel the world - on 160 airlines, in mass transit cabins, and in the marine, furniture, and luxury goods industries.
 
www.muirhead.co.uk
 
About the Scottish Leather Group
 
Founded in 1965, Scottish Leather Group (SLG) is the leading manufacturer of leather in the United Kingdom and produces the finest sustainable leather for the world’s most respected companies.
 
Through its specialist businesses - Bridge of Weir Leather, Lang and Muirhead – the Group leads the leather industry in the responsible and sustainable production of leather and serves the global automotive, aviation, bus, coach, rail, furniture, and consumer goods sectors from its operations located in Scotland, China, and Mexico.
 
https://www.scottishleathergroup.com
 
About the Green Cabin Alliance
 
The Green Cabin Alliance is a community interest company (CIC) founded in 2022. This new cross-industry group within the aircraft interiors supply chain advocates for aviation stakeholders to work together to decarbonise the design, manufacture, and supply of aircraft cabin interiors.
 
Conceived and directed by a collective of likeminded individuals from within the cabin sector, the group is actively engaging with the challenge of creating a sustainable cabin through: awareness-building, connecting innovators, promoting greener materials and processes, encouraging full-life design, increasing supply chain transparency, building common language and improving carbon footprint reporting throughout the cabin value chain.
 
www.greencabinalliance.org

• Scottish leather supplier’s innovative LightCore™ with ActiveHygiene will be presented
at Messe Berlin
• New high-performance leather is up to 33% lighter than standard leather and eliminates 99% of viruses and bacteria in two hours*
• InnoTrans attendees can meet the Muirhead team in Hall 5.1, Stand 310

Bridge of Weir, Scotland – Muirhead, a trusted supplier of Fine Scottish Leather to some of the world’s most respected passenger transport and aviation brands, will showcase its latest product innovation at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin next week.
 
Muirhead’s low-carbon, reduced-weight, full substance LightCore™ leather is re-engineered for the next generation of passenger transport. Made with a unique, durable, micro-light core, the innovative product is up to 33% lighter than standard leather – without sacrificing thickness or strength.
 
With integrated ActiveHygiene technology, 99% of bacteria and viruses are eliminated from its surface within 2 hours.*
 
Muirhead’s LightCore™ technology is not about making the leather thinner or inferior in quality – as simply shaving off grams or making the leather thinner would have a dramatic impact on performance, reducing durability and increasing the chance of ripping.
 
Instead, the manufacturer has re-invented their high-performance leather from the inside out, using a pioneering tanning process to create a true full substance leather with a reduced weight that maintains the strength, quality and technical performance the passenger transport industry expects from Muirhead.
 
Stephen Hems, Innovation Manager, Muirhead, added: “We knew we wanted to cut weight, but we refused to cut corners. To create true performance full substance leather with reduced weight, our innovation team had to rethink the entire process – from the exact hides we choose, through pioneering new manufacturing techniques, to the rigorous testing that ensures every leather meets the highest safety standards.”
 
Muirhead created LightCore™ with ActiveHygiene to help reduce fuel burn – without compromising on safety or durability. Rigorously tested to meet the demands of modern passenger transport, LightCore™ has been developed by the company’s technical experts to pass all tests and specifications.
 
The product continues to build on Muirhead’s commitment to creating the world's lowest carbon leather. Born in 1840, the Scottish manufacturer is proud to be the market leader in the global aviation industry, and an important player in the passenger transport sector. 
 
Archie Browning, Sales Director, Muirhead, concluded: "Muirhead has been manufacturing the finest sustainable Scottish leather since 1840 – and innovation is at the heart of what the business does. We are proud that our low carbon, high-performance product innovations lead the leather industry, and support our valued customers in achieving their own technical performance and sustainability targets.”

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Strong: Created with a unique, micro-light centre, LightCore™ has been rigorously tested to meet the demands of modern passenger transport, and retains all the durability, breathability and strength of natural leather.
 
Flexible:  LightCore™ is available in a range of grains, colours and finishes to fit any brand and enhance the customer experience.
 
Cost effective: The fuel savings gained from reducing leather weight by 33% will bring significant commercial and environmental benefits.
 
Hygienic: LightCore™ is also available with ActiveHygiene, which eliminates 99% of bacteria and viruses from its surface within two hours - again without any compromise to performance.
 
Sustainable: This unique innovation builds on Muirhead’s commitment to create the world’s lowest-carbon leather. LightCore™ can help achieve sustainability goals and reduce fuel burn without affecting performance or safety.
 
About Muirhead
 
Muirhead, established in 1840 and part of the Scottish Leather Group, is one of Europe's oldest tanneries; it is widely recognised as a leader in responsible and future-looking innovation of a versatile range of Fine Scottish Leather for a select group of prestigious global brands. Muirhead leathers are made to travel the world - on 160 airlines, in mass transit cabins, and in the marine, furniture, and luxury goods industries.
 
Discover more at www.muirhead.co.uk
 
About the Scottish Leather Group
Founded in 1965, Scottish Leather Group (SLG) is the leading manufacturer of leather in the United Kingdom and produces the finest sustainable leather for the world’s most respected companies.
 
Through its specialist businesses - Bridge of Weir Leather, Lang and Muirhead – the Group leads the leather industry in the responsible and sustainable production of leather and serves the global automotive, aviation, bus, coach, rail, furniture, and consumer goods sectors from its operations located in Scotland, China, and Mexico.
 
https://www.scottishleathergroup.com

​London, UK, 9 August 2022 – Former TAG Director Trevor Johnson has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of travel management company Equinox Travel – a specialist in travel for music and entertainment.
 
Having held various senior positions at The Appointment Group (TAG) and ET Travel Ltd, Johnson is a transformational leadership expert with 30 years’ experience in travel management for clients in live touring, film and TV production, corporate, bespoke leisure, and more.
 
Most recently, he was TAG’s Managing Director for the UK Touring and Film & Media divisions, after establishing steady regional growth in the North West as MD for the company’s Manchester operation.
 
Trevor Johnson said: “With live shows and the touring sector now thriving, there’s no better time for me to get back into the world of music and entertainment travel. I’m extremely proud to be joining a company at the forefront of delivering seamless, reliable, and flexible travel management solutions for the industry.
 
“I look forward to interacting with valued clients, nurturing talent, and working in partnership with key suppliers here at Equinox. As travel disruption continues to cause uncertainty across Europe, we’ll be fully on hand to support businesses and individuals as their trusted travel partner.”
 
Johnson will be responsible for the operational functions of the business and will report to joint Equinox CEOs Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth.
 
Glen Duckworth added: “Trevor joins at a very exciting time for Equinox, with further growth and expansion on the horizon. His wealth of industry experience will be invaluable to the development of both our Equinox Travel and Equinox Charter brands over the coming years.”
 
The company has undergone significant expansion in recent months, and benefits from the expertise of seasoned travel management professionals including Operations Director Anna Howden, Commercial Director Lisa Liguori, and Senior Touring Specialist Susanne Robinson.
 
Equinox Travel’s expert team specialise in delivering high-touch travel solutions and managing complex movements for bands and solo artists, comedians, production companies, corporate business, incentive groups, and more.
 
The start-up launched last year to fill the market gap for comprehensive travel solutions dedicated to the music and entertainment industry. Its wide array of services includes commercial airline bookings, hotel arrangements, chauffeur services, ferry and rail transport management – along with private aircraft charter solutions through its sister company Equinox Charter.

ENDS
 
More information can be found at equinox-travel.com.
For media enquiries contact Balint Brunner via Aero PR
on [email protected] or +44 74 2314 8828.
​

Editor’s notes
 
About Equinox Travel
Equinox Travel Ltd. is a music and entertainment specialist travel management company (TMC), founded in 2021 by former The Appointment Group (TAG) and ET Travel Ltd directors Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth. The London-based company provides a bespoke, high-touch and comprehensive travel management solution, from commercial air travel, through private aviation arrangements to accommodation services. Alongside live music touring, Equinox Travel offers specialist travel support for the sports industry, as well as corporate and luxury leisure travellers. For more information, visit equinox-travel.com.

Editor’s notes

About Equinox Charter
Equinox Charter Ltd. provides seamless, global private aircraft chartering solutions with a focus on the music and entertainment industry. Led by music touring expert Elliot Bottomley, the London-based company offers worldwide access to private jet, turboprop and helicopter aircraft – with a 24/7 consultative service and a commitment to best practice in safety and sustainability. Equinox Charter is a member of the The Air Charter Association, European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). It is proudly ARGUS Registered – a globally recognised mark of safety and service in private aviation.
​
For more information, visit equinox-charter.com.

About Equinox Travel
Equinox Travel Ltd. is a music and entertainment specialist travel management company (TMC), founded in 2021 by former The Appointment Group (TAG) and ET Travel Ltd directors Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth. The London-based company provides a bespoke, high-touch and comprehensive travel management solution, from commercial air travel, through private aviation arrangements to accommodation services. Alongside live music touring, Equinox Travel offers specialist travel support for the sports industry, as well as corporate and luxury leisure travellers.

For more information, visit equinox-travel.com.

Why are seven of the world’s top ten aerospace companies investing in Wales? And what role do SMEs play in the Welsh aerospace and defence supply chain?

These are just some of the questions addressed at the second annual Aerospace Wales Expo, held on 9th December at Coleg Cambria, Connah’s Quay. Around 100 exhibitors and over 300 delegates gathered for a thought-provoking series of presentations and a chance to meet with buyers and end-users face-to-face.
 
Building on the success of the inaugural event at AMRC Cymru two years ago, the Expo featured keynote speakers from four of the major manufacturers based in Wales, an intense session of one-to-one ‘Meet the Buyer’ appointments, and a Capability Showcase exhibition focusing on innovation, engineering, and technology transfer.
 
With breakout sessions on supply chain opportunities and a chance to explore Coleg Cambria’s new, state-of-the-art Digital Skills Factory, the Expo proved highly popular with both existing suppliers and those looking to enter this attractive sector.
 
A centre for excellence
 
“For just 5% of the UK’s population, Wales boasts 10% of the country’s aerospace industry and a staggering 20% of its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) work,” explained Aerospace Wales Forum CEO John Whalley in his opening speech.
 
This equates to more than 23,000 people employed in the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of civil and military aircraft from around the world – making the Welsh aerospace sector a diverse and dynamic growth industry which spends millions in the UK’s supply chain every year.
 
And as the industry recovers from the pandemic, engaging with new suppliers from across Wales and the UK will be vital for the key players in Wales’ aerospace and defence ecosystem.
 
As Airbus’ Public Affairs lead for Wales, Helen Swift, pointed out, the manufacturer expects to see a 75% increase in client-led demand. To achieve its objectives, Airbus will tap into the capability of its 2,300 UK-based suppliers, half of which are SMEs. Over the past ten years, the company has invested more than £2 billion in its wing manufacturing facility in Broughton, North Wales.
 
“Since the last Expo, demand has grown significantly,” said Prof. Ed Rochead from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). “To meet this demand, we need to continue expanding and diversifying our supply chain. With its impressive skills base and talent, the North Wales region is of great interest to us.”
 
In the South, Thales’ National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) is repositioning the company’s Ebbw Vale site as a global player in the cyber industry. Meanwhile, BAE Systems Land UK’s Glascoed facility in Monmouthshire will rely on the UK’s agile supply chain to develop new products and processes in the coming years. As Principal Technologist Andy Burn explained, the site employs around 500 people from across the region.
 
Showcasing innovation in Wales
 
“2021 has been a challenging year, but our industry has shown a huge amount of resilience,” said Aerospace Wales Forum’s John Whalley. “We are gearing up not only for recovery in the aerospace and aviation sectors, but also for driving the innovation to support new developments in Space Wales and Future Flight Wales, to enable us to meet the challenges and opportunities of climate change.”
 
Lisa Jones-Taylor, Managing Director of co-organiser Nu-Tech Exhibitions + Events, added: “It’s clear to us that despite the complications surrounding the pandemic, delegates and participating exhibitors were still keen to interact in a safe face-to-face environment.
 
“This is where contacts can be made, discussions can be held, and equipment can be demonstrated – all of which is the precursor of supporting UK industry.”
 
The event also benefitted from the support of several Aerospace Wales members, including platinum supporters Airbus, BAE Systems, Thales and Dstl.
 
Airbus’ Helen Swift, a long-standing Aerospace Wales Ambassador, said: “As the beating heart of Wales’ aerospace industry, Airbus was proud to sponsor the Aerospace Wales Expo 2021.
 
“The event provided the ideal opportunity for Airbus to share the future technology requirements and supply chain partnership opportunities across our Commercial Aircraft, Defence & Space and Helicopters divisions. The ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions were particularly useful for Airbus to understand the wider breadth of business within the region and connect with potential suppliers.”
 
Reflecting on the event’s success, Robert Hodges, Cyber and Defence Lead for Thales, explained: “The Expo was a priceless opportunity to engage with supply chain companies of all shapes and sizes, as we continue to grow our presence in Wales. The event enabled us all to understand more about each other’s hopes and aspirations, and showcased the truly innovative capabilities Wales has to offer.”
 
Exhibitors have described the Expo as a “fantastic place to showcase products and services to major players in the industry,” and said the event enabled them to “catch up with existing customers” and “make connections from other market segments which can prove very fruitful in the future.”
 
Gavin Crimmings, Head of Engineering for BAE Systems Land UK, concluded: “The Aerospace Wales Forum has provided us with a great opportunity to engage with a range of businesses across the UK, and seek opportunities to promote manufacturing in Wales.”
 
Thanks to Nu-Tech, Coleg Cambria, as well as hundreds of exhibitors and delegates, the Welsh aerospace and defence industry has once again united to give the occasion a real buzz of excitement and unlock valuable supply chain opportunities in every segment.