Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced over £100 million in government-industry funding to support pioneering green aerospace technology projects, marking the launch of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to championing aerospace and advanced manufacturing within its new Industrial Strategy.

The funding, totalling just under £103 million, is delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. It will support five major aerospace R&D projects led by industry giants GKN Aerospace, Queens University, Rolls-Royce, Short Brothers, and ZeroAvia. These projects aim to drive innovations in zero emission hydrogen-powered flight, sustainable propulsion systems, and advanced turbine technologies. The initiative is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and attract further investment into the UK’s aerospace sector.

The announcement comes on the heels of new data from the aerospace industry’s trade body ADS, which reported that the sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy in 2023.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented, “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 praised the initiative, stating, “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 for 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 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.”

This substantial investment in green aerospace technology not only promises significant advancements in sustainable aviation but also reinforces the UK’s position as a leader in global aerospace innovation.