Electric flying taxis and hydrogen-powered aircraft are set to move closer to commercial use after the Government awarded £7.3 million to eight UK aviation projects.
The funding will support research into zero-emission flight, airport operations and the safe handling of electric and hydrogen aircraft. It forms part of a wider £43 million package for next-generation aviation technology.
Projects involving Beta Technologies and Vertical Aerospace will receive up to £3.2 million to demonstrate how new electric aircraft could operate safely within commercial airports.
The work is expected to support plans for future flying taxi services and other short-distance passenger routes.
Vertical Aerospace has also unveiled its six-seat aircraft and announced a new UK manufacturing contract at the Farnborough International Airshow. The company is targeting passenger services from 2029, with production expected to support skilled jobs in the South West.
Government-backed research from the University of Birmingham has found flying taxis could improve regional connectivity, support economic growth and help reduce aviation emissions.
The latest award follows a £46.5 million investment announced in May for flying taxis and drones. The programme includes medical deliveries, policing applications and commercial drone services, with Amazon already carrying out trials in Darlington.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “By powering up electric and hydrogen-powered planes, we’re bringing passengers closer to the flights of the future – while creating skilled jobs, backing UK businesses and spreading economic growth to all 4 corners of the country.”
The announcement comes after airlines, airports, manufacturers and engineering firms met at Farnborough to discuss how new technologies could reduce aviation emissions.
The Jet Zero Taskforce Expert Group considered measures including a £2.3 billion commitment to the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme over the next decade. The funding will support research into technologies including artificial intelligence for aircraft optimisation.
The Civil Aviation Authority has also published findings from its hydrogen aviation challenge, backed by £1.9 million of government funding.
Rolls-Royce, easyJet and Exeter Airport were among the organisations examining how hydrogen could be introduced safely as an aviation fuel.
A further £2.5 million will be invested before March 2027 in projects covering hydrogen-powered airport vehicles, lower-carbon ground operations and testing a hydrogen jet engine for commercial aircraft.
The Government has also announced a £219 million fund to increase sustainable aviation fuel production, which it estimates could support 15,000 jobs and add £5 billion to the economy by 2050.
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