The Government is investing over £20m in funding to help drone operations for emergency services, delivery firms and flying taxi services take to UK skies.
The new funding will advance aviation tech to make everyday use of drones a reality for the NHS, along with police forces to help combat crime, and to unlock delivery services for businesses and communities across the country.
The funding will also support the regulatory pathway that could see air taxis in use from 2028. The Government, industry and regulator leaders will meet to discuss how to streamline regulatory processes to support the commercialisation of the industry and to boost aviation innovation.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “I want the UK to have the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world.
“That means creating a nimble regulatory environment and a culture of innovation so everyone can benefit from cutting-edge transport while tackling emissions, traffic and potentially saving lives.
“Our investment alongside the new Future of Flight industry group will bring together tech experts, drone operators, flying vehicle manufacturers and local communities to identify where change needs to happen.”
Plans for regulatory reform include requiring all aircraft to share their location, which will make drone operations safer and therefore speed up approvals, allowing drones to operate near airports and simplifying their use for delivering medical supplies.
In addition, as previously confirmed by the Chancellor, plans are now underway to simplify regulations to enable two-year airspace change for drone operations. This will enable operators to fly safely for longer and gather data to inform future services.
Other changes will simplify regulations to enable emergency services including firefighters and paramedics to use drone services, as well as noise exemptions for drone trials within the Airspace Change Process, and simplifying the drone operational application process to enable them to get flying faster and easier.
Furthermore, the regulator, drone operators, flying vehicle innovators and local authorities will come together with government at the Future of Flight industry group to help guide the Government on its mission to transform technology in aviation.
The group will focus on how to unlock the benefits of future aviation technologies to propel the country’s economic growth forward. It will look at how government can harness the potential of technology and create a culture of innovation, with the aim of improving everyday challenges, while helping cut carbon emissions.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Flying taxis will transform the way we move – making it quicker, quieter and cleaner to travel while connecting communities and supporting essential services.
“The UK has an incredible opportunity to lead the world in this new era of aviation, delivering not just greener transport but real economic growth and skilled jobs.”
