The UK Government announced it was making £250 million in funding available for Green Aerospace projects in a bid to drive forward greener air travel.
Announcing the funding at the Paris Airshow, Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “This is the latest win for British aerospace in the run-up to the launch of our Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in our advanced manufacturing and defence sectors to take them to new heights, bringing new high-skilled jobs to every corner of the UK.
“This government is backing aerospace. This investment will keep it at the forefront of innovation, not only delivering economic growth but boosting the charge to net zero 2030, two key pillars of our Plan for Change.”
The funding will be used for cutting-edge projects that will provide a real change towards greener air travel and during her time at the airshow Ms Jones visited the UK Pavilion meeting companies such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce who both have a large, highly skilled workforce in the UK.
Rolls-Royce Director of Research & Technology Alan Newby said: “Gas turbines are an engine for growth for the UK economy. We welcome the recognition of the technology’s vital role from the Government in supporting both national and economic security.
“Together, government and industry investment in future gas turbine technologies will enhance the UK’s global competitiveness and help secure UK jobs and exports for the decades ahead.”
Projects will be funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute *ATI) which is a joint investment scheme between the UK Government and the aerospace Industry.
Airbus UK Chairman John Harrison added: “It’s terrific to see ATI funding allocated to projects like our ZeroE Development Centre (ZEDC) that will be built at Airbus Filton, and for DecSAM which builds on the industry’s additive manufacturing capabilities.
“It’s initiatives like these that are absolutely critical to accelerating our decarbonisation journey and advancing sustainable, cutting-edge manufacturing. The continued ATI funding provides the UK aerospace industry with the confidence and stability it needs to fuel innovation.”
