Our Story
Airflow developments have a rich history of innovation and growth and to this day have made many products that are unique and efficient.
In 1955, from one man's expertise in the fields of fan design and air flow measurement, the Airflow Developments group of companies was founded. Initially based in one factory in High Wycombe the company has since blossomed into a thriving international group.
With the search for new opportunities, the Company's ongoing expansion was strengthened by opening subsidiaries in Germany and the Czech Republic, supported by a worldwide sales distribution network.
Our story begins more than 60 years ago with one man's dream.
Airflow is Founded
Alexander Conner Wilson founded Airflow Developments in the garage of his home in High Wycombe. A fan engineer by trade, he created a measuring instrument to support his fan testing work. Together with his wife Nancy, he launched the company and invented the first inclined manometer to enter commercial production.
Airflow's New Factory
After beginning in the Wilsons’ garage, Airflow Developments opened its first factory on Cressex Industrial Estate in High Wycombe. The original wooden pressure-measuring device became the forerunner to a range of airflow instruments for HVAC applications that are still sold worldwide. Industrial centrifugal fans and blowers were also introduced and continue to be supplied to manufacturers for ventilation, cooling and warm air distribution.
Loovent Launched
The domestic extractor fan, Loovent, was launched, selling over two million units and forming part of the residential ventilation portfolio.
A Showroom is Added
Part of the original factory is demolished and new offices, stores and a showroom complex is added to display Airflow's innovations.
iCON Launched
The iCON extractor fan is introduced with a unique, patented iris shutter design. And it still remains a highly distinctive and individual product.
iCON Wins Awards
The iCON won the European Red Dot Design Award. Since then, the company has expanded its eco-air portfolio to support the UK’s move toward energy-efficient products, including low-noise, low-energy fans and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems that comply with updated UK Building Regulations for residential and commercial buildings.
QuietAir Achieves Quiet Mark Status
QuietAir, the quietest and most energy efficient fan, achieved Quiet Mark status from the Noise Abatement Society.
MVHR Units Approved
Airflow's Duplexvent Flexi MVHR unit was runner-up in the H&V News Awards, and the company became the only UK firm with eight MVHR units approved by the Passive House Institute.
AirflexPro Awarded
AirflexPro won 'Air Movement Product of the Year', and LOOVENT eco was shortlisted for the KBB Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Awards.
iCONstant Launch
iCONstant extractor fan launched as the quietest dMEV fan - the quietest dMEV fan available today for toilets / bathrooms and utility rooms. Duplexvent Multi MVHR was highly commended at H&V News Awards.
Interactive Ventilation
Airflow Adroit range introduced internet-enabled ventilation with SMART control via tablet or smartphone.
Air Academy Opens
The Air Academy showroom, training and conference facility opened, showcasing ventilation history and providing CIBSE approved CPD seminars.
Multi-Award Year
Airflow Developments won Domestic Product of the Year at the Heating and Ventilating Review 11th Annual Awards with the Adroit DV51CH. The unit also received Highly Commended for Sustainable Product of the Year, while the Sussuro was Highly Commended for Commercial/Industrial Product of the Year. Later that year, the Adroit DV51CH was again Highly Commended for Ventilation Product of the Year at the H&V News Awards. In the same year, the company also launched its newly redesigned website with improved features.
iCONsmart Launch
Airflow launched its next-generation extractor fan, the iCONsmart. The fan achieved the Quiet Mark Award and features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control settings, timers and usage through the MyAirflow app.
Product Launches
- QuietAir QT100 Black Edition – new to the QuietAir range
- Rebranding of Product Selection Softwares under the SELECTair name
Recent Award Wins
- Adroit MVHR Range with Enthalpy Heat Exchanger – WON Best Home Technology Product or Intstallation at the Build It Awards 2025
- Adroit DV245 MVHR with integral C02 sensor – HIGH COMMENDED – HVAC Product of the Year at the ECN Awards 2025
- Ceiling Integrated valves – HIGHLY COMMENDED - Residential/Domestic Product of the Year at the Electrical Industry Awards 2025
- DUPLEXbase PS Rooftop - HIGHLY COMMENDED - Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year at the HVR Awards 2025
- DUPLEXbase PS Range – WINNER - Commercial HVAC Product of the Year at the H&V News Awards 2024