by Elsie Clark | Feb 3, 2026 | AI & ML, Connectivity, Innovation
Two of Elon Musk’s key businesses, SpaceX and xAI, are to merge as the tech mogul consolidates his business interests. Experts suggest the merger will create the world’s most valuable private company.
Operating across space and satellites, SpaceX has become one of the most well-known aerospace businesses. Its Starlink constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites is becoming increasingly valuable as a global connectivity provider, with multiple airlines signing deals for inflight WiFi through Starlink. xAI, meanwhile, is best known as the operator of the AI chatbot Grok, which has hit the headlines for generating explicit material and incorrect statements.
Estimates currently value xAI at US$125 billion, and SpaceX at US$1 trillion. A statement signed by Musk and shared on the SpaceX website said:
SpaceX has acquired xAI to form the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile device communications and the world’s foremost real-time information and free speech platform.
The post adds that ‘space-based AI’ and ‘orbital data centres’ will be the focus of the merger. Musk explains:
My estimate is that within 2 to 3 years, the lowest cost way to generate AI compute [sic] will be in space. This cost-efficiency alone will enable innovative companies to forge ahead in training their AI models and processing data at unprecedented speeds and scales, accelerating breakthroughs in our understanding of physics and invention of technologies to benefit humanity.
He notes that the project will eventually involve factories on the Moon and expansion throughout the Universe, a cherished personal goal for Musk who has long nurtured the idea of establishing human civilisation on Mars.
SpaceX has proven to be an incredibly disruptive force in the aerospace world. Its dominance has forced its rivals Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales, to merge their aerospace operations in a bid to establish a credible European alternative to the Texas-based giant. While Elon Musk loves to make big promises, it can’t be denied that SpaceX, as well as his other companies including xAI and Tesla, have been incredibly impactful on their respective industries. What comes from merging his AI and aerospace businesses, whether it’s data centres in space or the promised factories on the Moon, will be eagerly anticipated across the industry.
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by Elsie Clark | Jan 19, 2026 | Connectivity, Innovation
SkeyDrone and Airport Intelligence have launched a strategic collaboration to offer airports end-to-end drone detection, response, and mitigation services.
Drone sightings have become increasingly commonplace in recent years, forcing the closure of significant aviation hubs such as Berlin Brandenburg. The disruption caused by these closures results in significant costs for airlines and operational headaches for airport management.
Developers of advanced drone detection technology, SkeyDrone monitor and analyse drone activity around critical airspace. Their tailorable platform includes an active runway configuration to make sure threats are addressed and alerts are meaningful. Airport Intelligence brings extensive aviation expertise to the collaboration, ensuring safety and security while creating actionable plans to address disruption.
Both companies are based at Brussels Airport, providing the ideal platform for shared learning. Stijn De Vleeschhouwer, Managing Director at SkeyDrone, said:
We’re seeing a tremendous demand for our threat assessment solutions, which help customers evaluate risks effectively. While we provide the technology, many airports and ANSPs lack established processes to act on these insights. That’s why this partnership is so critical: technology is one part of the equation, but taking the right actions is equally, if not more, important.
Korijn Defever, General Manager at Airport Intelligence added:
Our strength lies in designing operational concepts that fit the complex reality of airport environments, not only in theory but especially in practice. Working with SkeyDrone allows us to connect those concepts directly to reliable, proven drone detection technology, offering airports a pragmatic and scalable solution.
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by Elsie Clark | Jan 16, 2026 | Connectivity, MRO IT
In a new report, Airbus predict that the centre of aviation’s afterservices market is shifting eastwards. The manufacturing and technology firm’s latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) asserts that the sector in China will more than double in value over the next 20 years, rising from US$24.8 billion in 2025 to US$63.8 billion in 2044.
The country hosts the single largest Airbus fleet in the world, with airlines such as China Southern, China Eastern, and Xiamen Air operating hundreds of Airbus aircraft between them. And the growth shows no signs of slowing: domestic passenger volumes grew by 17% in 2025 compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019, and the Global Services Forecast expects China to receive over 9,500 new aircraft in the next two decades.
Airbus add that superior connectivity services will result in huge savings across the Chinese aviation world. The report predicts that the industry will reduce expenses by US$2.2 billion with digital tech ops and a further US$5.7 billion through fuel cost reduction. The digital and connectivity space is the fastest-growing afterservices market in the country: currently worth US$1.8 billion, Airbus predict its value will rise to US$5.1 billion by 2041.
Other important segments in China include off-wing maintenance, which will be increasingly in-demand due to ageing fleets. At the same time, on-wing maintenance will become a US$6.8 billion market to care for the expected 9,500 new aircraft.
Airbus note that training and upskilling will be key to achieving growth: China’s aviation industry will need to be supported by an additional 485,000 personnel by 2044, including pilots and technicians.
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by Elsie Clark | Jan 14, 2026 | AI & ML, Avionics, Connectivity, Flight Ops IT, Innovation, MRO IT, Sustainability
We are excited to announce a significant strategic update to Aerospace Tech Week 2026: the event will now take place in London, UK!
Moving from Munich, Germany to the world-leading Excel exhibition centre means the event can better serve the evolving needs of the aerospace industry. Additionally, new confirmed dates of 11 – 12 November 2026 give us more time to craft our dynamic exhibitor hall and informative agenda.
Lucy Matthews, Senior Conference Producer for Aerospace Tech Week, said:
Moving Aerospace Tech Week to London represents a major step forward for the event. It gives us the opportunity to grow our audience, expand the technical depth of the programme, and deliver our biggest and best edition yet.
Why join us in London?
- A global gateway: Unrivalled international connectivity to attract a truly global visitor base.
- The hub of innovation: Direct access to the UK’s leading aerospace, tech, and investment sectors.
- Enhanced programme: The new dates provide an extended runway to build our most ambitious conference and exhibition to date.
As we prepare for our biggest edition yet, we are now inviting industry leaders to secure their place in the 2026 programme.
Want to be part of the London launch? Whether you are looking to showcase your latest technology on the exhibition floor, lead the conversation as a speaker, or elevate your brand through sponsorship, we want to hear from you.
Click here to speak, sponsor, or exhibit.
Confirmed speakers already including representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence, Oman Air, Airbus, the Civil Aviation Authority, and TAP Maintenance & Engineering.
We look forward to welcoming you and the rest of the global aerospace community to London in November 2026.
About Aerospace Tech Week
Aerospace Tech Week is an event focused on driving innovation and technology advancements in the aerospace sector. Bringing together senior executives and technical leaders, ATW connects the whole value chain of aerospace to discuss, connect, and collaborate on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.
In 2026 we are excited to reunite our community of 1,500 industry experts for two inspiring days featuring over 120 speakers. Key topics covered include AI, avionics, flight ops, and sustainability, while our exhibitor and networking programmes spark connections that drive transformations across the industry.
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by Elsie Clark | Jan 6, 2026 | Connectivity, Innovation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a US$438 million contract to Collins Aerospace for the renovation of radar infrastructure.
Under the Radar System Replacement programme, the FAA is investing in radar to improve the operational readiness of air traffic control. Next-generation tech will support the upgrade, including Collins’s co-operative and non-co-operative radar systems. A single architecture will be used instead of the current fragmented legacy structure.
Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, said:
As a trusted supplier to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern and interoperable solution. These systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency for air traffic controllers, reduce long-term costs, and ensure the system is prepared for the future of the National Airspace.
Condor Mk3 and ASR XM radar systems are among those included as part of the contract. Together, they will facilitate more precise aircraft tracking, especially at lower altitudes. Collins Aerospace is a subsidiary of RTX, which already has over 550 radar systems operating across the US.
Modernisation of American air traffic control has become an increasing priority in recent years. In 2025, Congress approved a US$12.5 billion modernisation plan for upgrading infrastructure across the country. Meanwhile, the government has also attempted to expedite the training of air traffic controllers, with a shortage of trained personnel also affecting the FAA’s efficiency in flight management.
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by Elsie Clark | Dec 16, 2025 | Connectivity, Innovation
Searidge Technologies has successfully implemented a digital control tower at Vigo Airport, Spain.
The first of its kind in the country, the tower features a high-resolution, 360-degree real-time visual display of traffic at the airport. Developed in partnership with Skyway, the system has been approved by the aviation authorities and is now in operation.
The display uses a feed of sensors and cameras to enhance traffic controllers’ situational awareness, ultimately improving the safety and efficiency of the airport. Searidge Technologies CEO Moodie Cheikh said:
We’re proud to support Aena [Spain’s airport operator] in achieving this important milestone.
The operational launch at Vigo marks a first for Spain and underscores Europe’s leadership in digital tower innovation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as Aena advances its strategy to digitise and future-proof airport operations across the country.
A phased introduction will ensure safety standards are upheld during the transition to the digital system. Operations will first take place during times of low air traffic with standard control towers as a backup. The new system puts Vigo in line with modern international airports including Dubai International, London Heathrow, and Singapore Changi. Searidge’s digital tower has also been in operation at Hamad International Airport in Saudi Arabia, the first large-scale system of its kind approved by regulators in the Middle East
The news at Vigo Airport comes after IATA revealed that air traffic control delays in Europe have more than doubled since 2015.
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