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The UK government has announced £7.3 million in funding for eight projects designed to accelerate the development of zero-emission aviation
The Department for Transport announced the investment on 23 July and linked it to a £43 million package supporting next-generation sustainable aviation technology.
The funding will help companies develop the infrastructure needed for cleaner aircraft, including hydrogen storage facilities and electric charging systems at UK airports.
The eight projects hope to help the aviation sector reduce emissions while supporting economic growth and creating highly skilled jobs across the country.
Preparing airports for the next generation of aircraft
Some of the funded projects will focus on ensuring UK airports are ready to accommodate electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft safely and efficiently.
The largest funds are up to £3.2 million for projects involving Beta Technologies and Vertical Aerospace. Their work will demonstrate how next-generation aircraft, including electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles that could one day operate as flying taxis, can be integrated into commercial airport operations.
Developing the necessary charging infrastructure and hydrogen handling systems is seen as a key step in making zero-emission flights commercially viable over the coming years.
The funding comes as interest in advanced air mobility continues to grow.
Vertical Aerospace recently showcased its six-seat electric aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow and announced a new UK manufacturing contract expected to support skilled jobs in the South West. The company is targeting passenger services by 2029.
At the same time, new government-backed research from the University of Birmingham suggests that flying taxis could improve regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth and contribute to cleaner transport across the UK.
The latest funding builds on a £46.5 million investment announced earlier this year to support drones and flying taxis, with projects ranging from medical deliveries and emergency services to commercial drone operations. Amazon has already begun delivery drone trials in Darlington.
Wider investment in cleaner aviation
The latest announcement forms part of a government strategy to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050 while maintaining the UK’s position as a global aerospace leader.
The aerospace and aviation sector currently contributes around £20 billion annually to the UK economy, making it a key focus for investment in innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Earlier this week, the UK Civil Aviation Authority published findings from its Hydrogen Challenge programme, which explored how hydrogen can be safely introduced as a fuel for aviation. Supported by £1.9 million in government funding, the programme brought together organisations including Rolls-Royce, easyJet and Exeter Airport to examine the practical challenges of hydrogen-powered flight.
A further £2.5 million has been allocated before March 2027 to support additional hydrogen projects, including hydrogen-powered ground vehicles, cleaner airport operations and the testing of hydrogen-powered jet engines suitable for future commercial aircraft.
The government has also committed £2.3 billion over the next decade through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme to support cutting-edge aircraft technologies, including artificial intelligence systems that improve aircraft efficiency.
A recently announced £219 million low-carbon fuels fund also hopes to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel production. The programme is expected to support around 15,000 jobs while contributing an estimated £5 billion to the UK economy by 2050.