Windracers Group, a leader in autonomous air transport, announced the appointment of Simon Thompson as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. Thompson will lead the company's efforts in product research and development, fundraising, and international expansion. His extensive background in digital technology and logistics will play a critical role in advancing Windracers’ mission on a global scale.
Founded in 2017, Windracers has been dedicated to using low-cost, self-flying drones to deliver humanitarian aid to remote areas. The company’s flagship ULTRA UAV, a robust twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft with a 10-meter wingspan, is designed to operate autonomously over distances up to 1000 km and carry loads up to 100 kg. Its uses range from delivering parcels and medical supplies to supporting humanitarian efforts and environmental monitoring.
"I’m delighted to be joining this cutting-edge British technology business," said Simon Thompson. "Windracers is the low-cost champion of autonomous aviation and we are now very well placed to take this capability global. There is much to do, but the recent work with the Royal Navy and British Antarctic Survey are a clear demonstration of the company’s great potential to benefit many business sectors around the world."
Stephen Wright, Founder & Executive Chairman of Windracers, emphasized Thompson's role in the company's future, noting his experience in building customer-focused technology and his deep logistics expertise gained at leading companies like Ocado PLC and Royal Mail. "Simon’s background will be invaluable in supporting our mission of taking Windracers’ autonomous drone platform global," Wright stated.
Windracers has recently expanded its operations into North America, partnering with Purdue University in Indiana to launch the world’s first AI center focused on autonomous aviation, named AIDA3. This initiative aims to harness the full potential of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) by ensuring they can be operated efficiently and at scale. The company’s ULTRA UAV has also completed its first flights in the United States with approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The company provides innovative solutions across multiple sectors including Mail & Parcel, Humanitarian Assistance, Medical, Defense, and Environmental Protection, and has conducted successful flight trials with prominent organizations such as Royal Mail, Royal Navy, MOD, British Antarctic Survey, and the Future Flight challenge for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
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