HKA is pleased to announce the appointment of Iain Coutts as Technical Director to its Forensic Technical Services (FTS) team, based in the Edinburgh office.

Iain will join HKA’s growing Aviation Team, which includes specialists across more than 150 aviation-related disciplines. The team provides a broad spectrum of advisory services – from technical guidance on airport design to managing regulatory compliance, resolving disputes, and conducting investigations and audits.

With over 20 years of experience in airport and transport planning, Iain has  a strong track record of delivering complex aviation, mobility, and infrastructure projects across both the private and public sectors. His expertise spans airport master planning, technical due diligence, aerodrome safeguarding, sustainable transport design, and the emerging field of advanced air mobility.

Prior to joining HKA, Iain was an Aviation Consultant at Arcadis, where he led multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of aviation and mobility projects, including land use planning, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development. He previously served as Aerodrome Safeguarding Manager at Edinburgh Airport, where he implemented innovative solutions to address conflicts between aviation operations and renewable energy developments. Earlier in his career, Iain worked within the transport planning department at The City of Edinburgh Council, where he developed sustainable transport strategies and advised on urban development and environmental policy.

“I’m excited to join HKA and contribute to its multidisciplinary forensic technical services. I look forward to applying my aviation and mobility expertise to support clients on complex infrastructure and transport-related matters,” said Iain.

 “We’re delighted to welcome Iain to the FTS team. His deep knowledge of aviation and transport planning, combined with his experience across regulatory, operational, and design environments, will be a valuable asset to our clients and our growing team in Scotland.”

Simon Dean McCarroll, Partner, Forensic Technical Services

Iain holds an MSc in Transportation Planning & Policy from Newcastle University and a BA in Business Studies from Robert Gordon University. He is a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Senior Advisor to the Advanced Air Mobility Institute. His professional development includes expert witness training, aerodrome safeguarding, and certifications in drone operations (A2 CofC and GVC). He is passionate about the intersection of aviation, urban mobility, and environmental sustainability.

HKA provides expert advisory services across civil and military aviation, supporting clients with regulation, safety, operations, and emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility. With deep expertise in ICAO, FAA, EASA, and EU frameworks, HKA ensures compliance and strategic delivery across complex environments. The team advises on safety management, airspace and aerodrome operations, environmental compliance, aviation security, and financial due diligence positioning HKA as a trusted global partner in aviation.

Media contact

Name	Jill Dawson
Title	Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Number	+44 20 7618 1200
Email	jilldawson@hka.com