Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced more than £100 million of government-industry funding for cutting-edge aerospace technology projects to support greener air travel, at the launch of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow.
It comes as the latest figures from the aerospace industry’s trade body ADS show the sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy in 2023.
Just under £103 million of funding in total, delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, has been announced for five aerospace R&D projects led by GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers and ZeroAvia.
The projects will help pioneer innovations such as zero emission hydrogen-powered flight, new sustainable propulsion systems and turbine technologies, boosting thousands of high-skilled aerospace jobs across the UK and encouraging investment into the UK’s aerospace industry, as the Government prepares to launch its new Industrial Strategy.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our world-class aerospace sector added almost £40 billion to the economy last year, and 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.
“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.”
Aerospace Technology Institute CEO Gary Elliott commented: “The ATI Programme is continuing to target investment in world-class research projects that will deliver benefit for UK aerospace: accelerating technology development, growing our manufacturing capability, strengthening our supply chain and ensuring that the sector continues to generate economic return to the UK.
“The projects announced today focus on advanced technologies that take us a significant step closer to sustainable aviation, from new lightweight materials to new fuel systems. We look forward to building on this investment in support of an ambitious Industrial Strategy.”
Rolls-Royce director of research and technology Alan Newby added: “The HOTLINE project, together with other projects that have been supported by the ATI, will improve the cost competitiveness and product performance of our current and future engines, vital for meeting not only industrial and government net zero targets but potential growth opportunities for the UK.”
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