Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced over £100 million in government-industry funding to support groundbreaking aerospace technology projects aimed at promoting greener air travel.
The announcement was made at the launch of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing aerospace and manufacturing within its new Industrial Strategy.
The funding, totalling just under £103 million, is delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme and will support five pioneering aerospace R&D projects. These projects are led by industry giants GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and ZeroAvia. Key innovations include zero-emission hydrogen-powered flight, sustainable propulsion systems, and advanced turbine technologies. This investment is expected to bolster thousands of high-skilled aerospace jobs across the UK, fostering significant growth in the sector.
Recent data from the aerospace industry’s trade body ADS revealed that the sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy in 2023. This new funding aims to further elevate the industry’s impact by encouraging investment and development in cutting-edge green technologies.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated, “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.”
Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute, added, “The ATI Programme is continuing to target investment in world-class research projects that will deliver benefits for UK aerospace: accelerating technology development, growing our manufacturing capability, strengthening our supply chain, and ensuring that the sector continues to generate economic returns 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’s Director of Research and Technology, Alan Newby, commented, “The HOTLINE project, together with other projects 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 also potential growth opportunities for the UK.”
This substantial investment in green aerospace technology underscores the UK’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the nation as a leader in the future of aviation.