Agreement Expands UK Participation in Technical Collaboration and
Global Aerospace Standards Development
WARRENDALE, Pa. (July 22, 2026) – SAE International®, a global leader in advancing mobility standards, along with SAE PRI (Performance Review Institute), has signed a Cooperation Agreement with ADS, the trade association representing the UK’s aerospace, defense, security and space sectors, to strengthen global 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 recognized standards development activities. This will help ensure UK industry expertise informs future aviation standards while giving ADS members earlier visibility into 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 the 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.”
Pete Doty, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (Interim), SAE International & SAE ITC said:
“SAE’s standards, events and workforce development programs are truly global endeavors, 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.”
About SAE International®
SAE International® is a global organization committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, we connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including award-winning programs like A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™. More at www.sae.org.
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(Pictured L to R: Balaji Srimoolanathan, Aerospace Director, ADS; Pete Doty, EVP & COO (Interim), SAE International & SAE ITC)
SAE Media Contact:
Jeff Laskowski
SAE International
248.925.4770
pr@sae.org
Originally published by SAE International. View on sae.org