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.

London, UK, 24 November 2021 – Former TAG Business Development Manager Lisa Liguori has been appointed Commercial Director of newly launched entertainment specialist TMC, Equinox Travel.
 
An established personality in the live touring business, Liguori has previously held key senior positions at two travel management companies in the sector, ET Travel Ltd and The Appointment Group (TAG).
 
With over 20 years in travel management, her industry experience spans from handling budget-driven travel for emerging artists to servicing a multiple-party world tour for a high-profile band.
 
Lisa Liguori said: “I’m both delighted and honoured to join Equinox Travel in delivering bespoke, personal and high-touch travel management solutions to clients in music, entertainment and beyond.
 
“2022 is set to be a busy year as concert tours and live shows are back on the agenda, but our team will be on hand to support businesses in the sector as their trusted and reliable travel partner.
 
Equinox CEO Ian Patterson added: “Lisa joins our already fantastic in-house team of knowledgeable and creative senior experts who are dedicated to offering a personalised service of reliability and integrity.
 
“Her ability to deliver prime travel solutions to the client is second to none, and her vast industry experience will be invaluable to our growth over the coming years.”
 
Based in London, Liguori will be responsible for developing and implementing Equinox’s commercial strategies and overseeing the start-up’s ambitious expansion plan. She will report to CEOs Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth.
 
With combined travel experience of over 100 years, Equinox Travel’s expert team specialise in delivering bespoke travel solutions and managing complex itineraries for bands and solo artists, agents, tour managers, film production companies and more.
 
The company launched earlier this month to fill the market gap for comprehensive travel services dedicated to the music and entertainment industry – but it also offers specialist travel support for the sports industry, as well as corporate and luxury leisure travellers.
 
Equinox Travel’s global services include commercial airline bookings, hotel bookings, 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.

​London, UK, 2 November 2021 – New private aircraft provider Equinox Charter has begun operations today, providing complete, global private aircraft chartering solutions with safety at the pinnacle of its offering.
 
Launching alongside its sister company Equinox Travel, a travel management company (TMC), the two start-ups enable clients to streamline their travel booking process through a rare ‘one-stop shop’ approach for all their travel needs.
 
Equinox Charter draws on extensive business aviation and music industry experience to offer a unique, highly consultative service – with a focus on the extensive music, touring and entertainment charter market, which is now seeing a strong resurgence.
 
Industry charter specialist Elliot Bottomley, Managing Director of Equinox Charter, says: “As we head into an exciting period with the return of shows and live events, we cannot wait to get started.
 
“Our new team is more than ready to manage complex itineraries for bands and solo artists, agents, tour managers and film production companies. Working with our sister company, Equinox Travel, allows us to support our clients with their commercial travel needs too.”
 
Having run ARGUS Certified charter broker Artist Charter in the past, Elliot is keen to ensure flight safety remains very high on the agenda for Equinox.
 
“As part of our commitment to safe air travel and a consistently high quality of service, due diligence will be paramount, and we’ll work only with a network of vetted operators and private aircraft worldwide.”
 
The new charter broker is now a proud member of both the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). These memberships are a sign of intent as to how the company hopes to integrate and expand within the business aviation sector.
 
Equinox CEO Ian Patterson says: “Equinox Charter is a unique entrant to business aviation – a solution-based start-up which aims to fill a clear gap in the market.
 
“Nowadays, travel is often fragmented, with many TMCs outsourcing aircraft charter to a third party. Through both Equinox companies, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless and efficient service to clients with complex travel needs, by offering ultra-competitive pricing and greater flexibility on private aircraft booking, as well as commercial aviation booking, car hire, accommodation needs and more.
 
“We understand the demands and nuances of live touring and film production, from last-minute schedule changes to complex logistical challenges. This is why we’re committed to delivering the bespoke, personal, high-touch travel management solutions our clients not only demand, but also deserve.”
 
While music and entertainment are at the heart of its operations, Equinox’s senior experts also offer specialist travel support for professional sportspersons and sports agents, as well as facilitating corporate travel and arranging luxury leisure trips.
 
Unique in being able to offer Equinox clients commercial air travel options when required or necessary, Equinox Charter takes sustainability and environmental concerns seriously, and actively supports clients in making their own efforts in sustainable air travel.
 
The start-up has published its four-part commitment to sustainable charter, which includes carbon offsetting capabilities, encouraging the use of empty legs, making smarter aircraft and operator choices, as well as smaller, day-to-day measures.
 
In addition, both Equinox companies strive to accommodate clients’ existing sustainable travel policies – whether that be selecting air travel options with lower emissions, evaluating hotel choices based on sustainability factors, or facilitating VIP car transfers with electric vehicles.
 
Equinox benefits from the expertise of specialists including CEOs Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth. The duo is renowned for steering ET Travel Ltd to become a leading TMC in the sector, and later holding joint Chief Operating Officer roles at global travel management company The Appointment Group (TAG).

ENDS
 
More information can be found at equinox-charter.com and 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 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 European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). For more information, visit and 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.

London, UK, 2 November 2021 – New travel management company Equinox Travel has begun operations today, offering clients unparalleled expertise in music and entertainment travel. The Equinox brand is further boosted with the launch of sister company Equinox Charter.
 
Set up by former The Appointment Group (TAG) and ET Travel Ltd directors Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth, Equinox enables clients to streamline their travel booking process through its comprehensive travel services offering.
 
With combined travel experience of over 100 years, Equinox’s expert team specialise in delivering bespoke travel solutions and managing complex itineraries for bands and solo artists, agents, tour managers, film production companies and more.
 
Equinox CEO Ian Patterson says: “We understand the demands and nuances of live touring and film production, from last-minute schedule changes to complex logistical challenges. This is why we’re committed to delivering the bespoke, personal, high-touch travel management solutions our clients not only demand, but also deserve.
 
“Nowadays, travel is often fragmented, with many TMCs outsourcing aircraft charter to a third party. Through Equinox Charter, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless and efficient service to clients with complex travel needs, by offering ultra-competitive pricing and greater flexibility on private aircraft bookings.
 
“As we prepare for a huge influx of concert tours, live shows and major sporting events early next year, Equinox is excited to support clients with their commercial and private aviation requirements, along with their accommodation and ancillary travel needs – becoming their trusted and reliable ‘360-degree’ travel partner.”
 
Equinox Travel’s global services include hotel bookings, serviced apartment and private accommodation rentals, car hire and chauffeur services, ferry and rail transport management and a range of other travel services, alongside commercial airline bookings. Private aircraft charter solutions will be kept within the Equinox family and handled by Equinox Charter.
 
While music and entertainment are at the heart of its operations, the company’s team of senior experts also offers specialist travel support for professional sportspersons, athletes and sports agents, as well as facilitating corporate travel and arranging luxury leisure trips for those seeking to enjoy a well-deserved break.
 
Led by Elliot Bottomley, Equinox Charter provides a 24/7 consultative service and draws on decades of business aviation and music management experience to provide seamless, global private aircraft chartering solutions to clients across all sectors.
 
Equinox Charter was set up with a clear commitment to industry best practice and a heavy focus on charter safety. As a sign of intent to how the company hopes to integrate and expand in the business aviation sector, Equinox Charter has become a member of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA).
 
Across its vast portfolio of travel services, Equinox is committed to sustainable travel, and actively encourages and supports clients in choosing responsible travel methods.
 
It strives to accommodate clients’ existing sustainable travel policies – whether that be selecting air travel options with lower emissions, providing the opportunity to offset carbon, making smart operator choices, promoting the use of empty legs, evaluating hotel choices based on sustainability factors or facilitating car transfers with electric vehicles.
 
The start-up, which aims to fill the market gap for comprehensive travel services for the music and entertainment industry, benefits from the expertise of specialists including CEOs Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth.
 
The duo is renowned for steering ET Travel Ltd to become a leading TMC in the sector, and later holding joint Chief Operating Officer roles at global travel management company The Appointment Group (TAG).

ENDS
​
More information can be found at equinox-travel.com and equinox-charter.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.
 
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 European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). For more information, visit and equinox-charter.com.