Britain’s aerospace tech research programme is to receive record levels of government funding for green aviation tech research.

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) will receive £685 million from the government over the next three years.

The funding is an increase of £235 million on the previous three-year period. Industry bodies will provide co-funding, taking the total to more than £1 billion.

The money will be used to capitalise on the UK’s world-leading R&D system and support the development of zero-carbon and ultra-low-emission aircraft technology.

It is hoped that this will place the UK at the forefront of advancing new green tech, whilst supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

Previous projects supported include ZeroAvia’s 6-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, which is the largest such aircraft in the world, as well as Rolls-Royce’s development of UltraFan, the world’s largest, most efficient aircraft engine.

Commenting on the funding, Industry Minister Lee Rowley said: “Since its formation in 2013, the Aerospace Technology Institute has been an enormous success, already funding world-leading innovations like hydrogen aircraft and 3D printed components.

“These projects are making a real-world impact and could one day help the global aviation industry transition to net zero.

“Today’s commitment is a sign of our increasing ambition and will give large and small businesses the confidence to invest in the technologies that will bring civil aviation into the next generation.”

Additionally, the British government also confirmed that the ATI Programme will reopen to new funding applications on Monday the 4th of April.

Aerospace Technology Institute CEO Gary Elliott added: “I am delighted that the UK government’s commitment to R&T investment in sustainable aircraft has today resulted in an uplift to £685 million for the UK aerospace sector over the Spending Review period, in addition to the commitment at the Budget that the ATI Programme will continue until 2031.

“With the support of the Aerospace Growth Partnership, and with government investment matched by industry, the ATI will be able to invest more than £1 billion over the next 3 years in the cutting-edge technology needed to move towards our net zero targets.

“This has allowed us to reopen ATI funding to new applications from April and we will work with BEIS and Innovate UK to ensure that this funding drives UK economic growth and reduces global aviation emissions.”

Recommended

• Glasgow Science Centre opens Newton Flight Academy
• Data Protection Summit 2022 | The current state of legislation
• Edinburgh AI startup named among ‘Rising Stars’ of UK tech

Since its inception, the ATI Programme, which began in 2013, has secured more than 81,000 high value jobs and added £97 billion in value to the economy.

The programme co-funds industry-led innovation in civil aerospace tech and manufacturing, supporting the development of the next generation of zero-carbon emission or ultra-low emission aircraft, while growing the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace.

As a result of this, the ATI Programme has received an extension to 2031. This commitment gives industry the confidence to continue to co-invest with the government, driving growth, jobs, innovation and reducing aviation emissions.

Aviation Minister Robert Courts said: “As the government prepares to publish our Jet Zero Strategy this summer it is great to see new funding to support the development of new aerospace technology.

“This funding, in addition to £180 million of government funding already announced to support the UK sustainable aviation fuels, demonstrates how we are supporting our aviation sector to decarbonise whilst maintaining its critical role in connecting people.”

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.