ATI comms • 27.02.23 • 3 min read

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has announced the appointment of Jacqueline Castle as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Jacqueline succeeds Prof Simon Weeks, who has been CTO since 2014 and who will be leaving in July to start a new consultancy business. Jacqueline has more than 25 years’ experience with Airbus. A Mechanical Engineering graduate with a Masters in Aerospace Design, Jacqueline is currently the UK Chief Engineer for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, with responsibility for the wings, landing gear and fuel system. Prior to this she was UK Chief Engineer for the A380 aircraft.

Over her Airbus career Jacqueline has led the implementation of cutting-edge wing technologies and aerodynamic innovations for the fuel-efficient A330neo development, directed A380 and A350 landing gear engineering, headed up the Wing Design Authority organisation and worked on all Airbus aircraft products across the complete aircraft lifecycle.

Gary Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of the ATI, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Castle as the ATI’s new CTO. Jacqueline has a strong understanding of the challenges involved in introducing new technologies onto modern aircraft. She has first-hand experience of leveraging new innovations to improve aircraft performance, and a direct insight into the urgent need to ensure that future aviation is sustainable.

“The breadth and depth of Jacqueline’s experience across the aircraft lifecycle will be incredibly valuable and I look forward to her leading the ATI’s technology strategy and helping the UK sector to secure the opportunities presented by next-generation aerospace technologies”.

Gary added: “I would like to add my personal thanks to Simon for his many years as the ATI’s CTO, and I know these will be echoed by the Board, all his colleagues and the many people with whom he has worked across UK Government, industry, academia, and research organisations.

“Simon was instrumental in establishing the ATI, and has led the very important work to define and set the UK aerospace technology strategy. He leaves the ATI, and UK aerospace technology, in a much better place than when he took on the role. He will be pursuing his new business interests with all our very best wishes”.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

1. Jacqueline Castle will be taking up the role as the ATI’s Chief Technology Officer in June 2023.
2. It was during his time as the ATI’s CTO that Prof Simon Weeks was appointed Visiting Professor in Engineering Sciences at the University of Oxford (December 2020).