UK Business and Trade Secretary to approve over £100 million for greener air travel
July 23, 2024
The start of FIA 2024 was marked by £103 million of funding for aerospace projects, supporting greener travel and thousands of jobs across the UK, as announced by the Business and Trade Secretary, John Reynolds.
The funds are delivered through Aerospace Technology Institute Programme (ATIP) for five aerospace R&D projects by GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers and ZeroAvia. The projects will help pioneer innovations like zero-emission hydrogen flight and sustainable propulsion systems and turbines.
The announcement comes on the back end of the 2023 figures, showing that the aerospace industry “added almost £40 billion to the [UK] economy last year,” said Reynolds. “By backing it to pioneer cutting-edge new technologies, we’re delivering economic growth and supporting high-skilled jobs in every part of the UK.”
Gary Elliott, CEO of Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), added: “The ATI Programme is continuing to target investment in research projects that will deliver benefit for UK aerospace by accelerating technology development, growing our manufacturing capability, strengthening our supply chain and ensuring that the sector continues to generate economic return.”
Today’s news also comes ahead of the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, explained Reynolds. “It’s fitting that I’m launching this new support here at Farnborough Airshow, where the best of British innovation is showcased on the global stage, reinforcing our commitment to placing innovation and manufacturing at the heart of our Industrial Strategy.”
Elliott seconded this sentiment, adding: “The projects announced today focus on advanced technologies that take us a significant step closer to sustainable aviation. We look forward to building on this investment in support of an ambitious Industrial Strategy.”
