Secretary of State for Business, Kwasi Kwarteng, is set to unveil projects that are advancing the development of low-carbon aerospace innovation, as well as creating green jobs, today at the Farnborough International Airshow.
These projects include solar powered aircraft, ultra-efficient wings, and drones that can carry medical treatment, with £273 million worth of backing through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme.
So far, 81,000 jobs have been created already through the programme, as well as adding £97 billion to the UK economy.
Business Secretary Kwarteng said:
“The return of Farnborough International Airshow after a four-year absence is a clear example of the aerospace and aviation sector’s recovery. Today’s package of support will further this recovery and help the sector seize on the enormous opportunities for growth that exists as the world transitions to cleaner forms of flight.
Through funding for the latest in green technology, such as solar and hydrogen powered aircraft, and setting out our vision for the fast-growing market for commercial drones, we are once again placing the aerospace sector directly at the centre of our plans to deliver jobs and grow the economy.”
The creation of green jobs is not only helping to prepare the aerospace and aviation industry for a net zero future, but also progressing the goals of the UK government when it comes to the reduction of carbon being emitted. With another set of projects focused on developing air transport systems and the enabling of new vehicle technologies, thanks to the Future Flight Challenge, 8,800 jobs are set to be created. This will also lead to the improvement of motorways, with the projects looking to make them safer, and reduce travel times by seizing the potential of drones.
With the global aviation industry producing around 2.1% of all human-induced carbon emission, it is key that it is addressed, should the government’s net zero goal be met, alongside the development of jobs that will help local authorities to attract more investment to their areas.
