The UK government is making a significant investment to boost sustainable aviation. This initiative will support key aerospace projects focused on emission reductions and advanced technologies.
- £103 million allocated to green aerospace projects through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme.
- Projects led by industry leaders including GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and ZeroAvia.
- Initiatives aim to foster innovations in zero emission hydrogen-powered flight and advanced turbine technologies.
- Thousands of high-skilled jobs expected to be created, enhancing the UK’s position in global aerospace innovation.
The UK government has announced an investment of £103 million towards green aerospace projects, delivered via the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. This funding aims to champion aerospace and advanced manufacturing as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.
The allocated funds will support five major research and development projects spearheaded by industry leaders such as GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and ZeroAvia. These projects will focus on driving innovations in zero-emission hydrogen-powered flights, sustainable propulsion systems, and advanced turbine technologies.
According to Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the aerospace sector added nearly £40 billion to the UK economy last year. By backing pioneering technologies, the government aims to stimulate economic growth and create high-skilled jobs across the country. Reynolds highlighted the significance of launching this support at the Farnborough Airshow, a global stage for British innovation, reinforcing the commitment to embedding innovation and manufacturing within the Industrial Strategy.
Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute, expressed that the ATI Programme continues to target investments in world-class research projects. These projects are expected to accelerate technology development, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and strengthen the supply chain, ensuring sustained economic returns for the UK aerospace sector. The initiatives announced focus on advanced technologies that move the sector closer to sustainable aviation, from developing new lightweight materials to new fuel systems.
Alan Newby, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, emphasised the importance of the HOTLINE project and other ATI-supported initiatives in improving the cost competitiveness and product performance of current and future engines. Such advancements are crucial not only for meeting industrial and government Net Zero targets but also for unlocking potential growth opportunities for the UK.
This substantial investment underscores the UK’s commitment to sustainable aviation and reinforces its leadership in global aerospace innovation. The initiative is expected to attract further investment into the UK’s aerospace sector, driving significant advancements and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.
This investment marks a significant step towards sustainable aviation and strengthens the UK’s position in global aerospace innovation.
