Government offers £113m to stimulate zero-emission aircraft technology

The UK Government is to provide £113m through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme to pioneer electric aircraft to tackle aviation emissions.

The funding will support development of novel technologies for zero-emission electric aircraft such as electric flying taxis and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

The investment was announced by the Jet Zero Council, a collaborative initiative between government and industry to expedite zero-emission flight by 2050. The Jet Zero Strategy outlines plans to innovate technologies and sustainable aviation fuels to achieve these goals.

Speaking on the development (immediately before the recent cabinet reshuffle) the then Business Secretary Grant Shapps commented, “Guilt-free flying is within our reach, and we are backing the world-leading UK firms whose skills and ingenuity are going to make that dream a reality.

“As the whole world moves to greener forms of aviation, there is a massive opportunity for the UK’s aerospace industry to secure clean, green jobs and growth for decades to come. Together with the companies that share our ambitions, we are determined to seize this moment.”

Mark Harper, the UK Transport Secretary, added, “The Jet Zero Council is helping to define the future of flying – one that’s more optimistic about the sector’s environmental impact while putting UK innovation at the forefront of international aviation.”