Boeing and Consortium Partners Deliver Key Advances at ASCEND Project Midpoint

Madrid, July 21, 2026.

  • Spanish companies advancing globally relevant aerospace digital engineering capabilities.

In the first half of the ASCEND project, the Boeing team has advanced a suite of digital engineering and model-based safety technologies in collaboration with consortium partners Anzen Engineering, Clue Technologies and DLTCode. The collaboration highlights the important role of Spanish companies in advancing globally relevant aerospace digital engineering capabilities.

The Aerospace Safety Certifiable Engineering and Networked Development (ASCEND) project applies model based systems engineering (MBSE), model-based safety analysis (MBSA), product security engineering and digital engineering approaches to improve prevention, safety and efficiency across aircraft development lifecycles.

“This first phase of ASCEND has demonstrated the power of model-driven engineering to accelerate safety and streamline certification-relevant workflows,” said Eduardo Carrillo de Albornoz, Managing Director of Boeing Global Technology-Europe. “Working with our consortium partners we’ve been able to prototype practical tools and contribute to standards activities that will benefit the broader aerospace community.”

Key highlights

  • Accelerating safety through model-driven standards (via a metamodel) that enable automated safety and security analysis.
  • Prototyping tools to streamline safety analysis like Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA) or Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA) for complex aircraft systems.
  • Shaping industry best practices with direct contributions to working groups such as OMG, INCOSE and SAE International..

“ASCEND represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how model-based engineering can transform safety and certification processes in the aerospace industry. At Anzen Engineering, we are proud to contribute our expertise in functional safety and model-based analysis to develop solutions that not only address the industry’s current challenges, but also lay the foundations for a safer, more efficient, and more digitalized aviation sector,” said Pablo de la Cruz, CEO of Anzen Engineering.

 

Funding and project value

The Community of Madrid co finances more than 50% of the ASCEND 2024 consortium through its aid program to support public-private cooperation in R&D&i, along with support from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) operational program. The project is valued at nearly five million euros.

“The progress achieved in this first phase of ASCEND demonstrates the potential of applied digital engineering and how collaboration between industry and technology can accelerate the adoption of new methodologies in the aerospace sector. At DLTCode, we contribute to the project our experience in developing advanced technology solutions to transform complex models into practical tools that enhance safety across all areas of the aeronautical sector,” said Santiago Barrio, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DLTCode.

“The use of MBSE methodologies in ASCEND enables the integrated definition and validation of safety and security requirements within a structured logical model, replacing traditional documentation with executable processes. This methodological transition will provide the aerospace sector with a more agile and collaborative engineering framework, drastically reducing integration times and the resources associated with the development of complex technologies. Projects like ASCEND embody Clue’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of technological research, integrating advanced capabilities that redefine the development of next-generation avionics,” says Juan Ángel Tomás, Innovation Director at Clue Technologies.

About ASCEND

The ASCEND project brings together industry and technology partners to accelerate adoption of certifiable, model-based practices and digital tools that reduce risk, improve traceability and enhance safety in aerospace system development.

 

About Boeing

As one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, Boeing develops, manufactures, maintains and overhaul commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, Boeing leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and leading in sustainability while working according to the company’s core values: safety, quality, and integrity.

Boeing in Spain – Boeing is present in Spain since more than 90 years, supporting commercial airline customers and maintaining long-standing collaborations with the Spanish aerospace sector. Boeing has also been a long-time supplier of aircraft, helicopters, and military systems for the Spanish Armed Forces. The company’s European R&D center, Boeing Research & Technology-Europe, based in Madrid, develops innovative solutions in digital engineering, avionics systems, data-driven airline services, autonomous systems integration in shared airspace, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies.

www.boeing.es

 

About ANZEN Engineering

ANZEN Engineering is a high-value engineering company specializing in the aerospace and defense sectors. Headquartered in Madrid, the company has subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany and the United States. More than 85% of its revenue comes from international markets, and it operates globally. ANZEN is the reference company for supporting the development and certification of critical systems, with a particular focus on safety and reliability. It provides solutions in systems engineering, safety, reliability, airworthiness, embedded cybersecurity and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). The company collaborates on the industry’s major programs, delivering innovative digital engineering solutions complemented by proprietary software technology.

www.anzenengineering.com

 

About Clue Technologies

Clue Technologies is known for its innovative high-performance embedded computing systems that accelerate intelligent software applications. With a multidisciplinary team of engineers in computer science, electronics, mechanics, and systems, the company has extensive experience in the aerospace sector. Its WittyBox™ product family leads in flight and mission computers designed for diverse aerospace applications. Clue oversees the full product lifecycle in Spain, including research, requirements capture, systems definition, hardware and software design, manufacturing, qualification, and certification.

https://www.clue.aero/

 

About DLTCode

DLTCode is a professional services company specializing in strategic consulting, cybersecurity, and in the development of Deep Tech solutions based on artificial intelligence. It is led by an experienced team of consultants and subject matter experts in technology, cybersecurity, regulation, disruptive innovation, and digital leadership. The company develops and manages next-generation cybersecurity software to help organizations protect against current and emerging threats.

www.dltcode.es

 

 

Media contact
Raquel Parra
r.parra@iprisma.es