The UK government is investing £218 million to develop green aerospace technology and reduce emissions across the industry.
MP Nusrat Ghani, who announced the investment at the Paris Air Show, said: “We want to achieve net zero air travel by 2050, and I want UK firms to lead the way developing the exciting technologies of the future.
“Backing our innovators will attract even more investment and create massive export opportunities for British firms.”
The funding will go towards developing new landing gear, lower carbon and more efficient aircraft wings, engines and sensors, and will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme.
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The initiative also aims to support more than 100,000 new jobs as it increases private investment in green aerospace technology across the country by as much as £20bn.
Since 2013, the government has invested £3.2 billion into the ATI, funding over 300 research and development projects. It committed the UK aviation sector to reaching net zero by 2050 and all British airports to be net-zero by 2040, as part of its Jet Zero strategy.
“These projects will improve both our cost competitiveness and the product performance of our current and future engines, which is vital for meeting industry and government net zero targets,” said Rolls-Royce director of aerospace technology and future programmes, Alan Newby.
“This work will involve collaboration with a broad ecosystem of academic, research centres and SME partners across the UK that creates value across the country and helps us to reach our goals.”
