Hundreds of jobs to be created as government invests millions in aviation sector

Funding has been awarded to 20 aviation projects across the UK as part of a government initiative to “build back better” from Covid-19 and support new enterprises.

The £7m of funding represents the first wave of a £33.5m investment in the sector and is expected to create hundreds of jobs.

The investment comes from the Future Flight Challenge, which aims to increase mobility, reduce reliance on road travel and increase UK manufacturing opportunities.

Funding from the pot is expected to be allocated to an additional 28 projects over the coming weeks.

Among the projects selected are the development of medical supply delivery drones and technology to remotely inspect the safety of construction sites.

Nadhim Zahawi, business minister, commented: “As the UK leads the way in the aviation revolution, these bold proposals showcase the pioneering spirit of the UK’s aerospace and aviation industries in solving global issues, and those facing us here in the UK.

“Today we have announced over £7m of funding for projects across the country which demonstrate how using the latest and most cutting-edge aviation technologies can step up our response to the coronavirus pandemic, help us build back better and cement our well-earned reputation for research and development excellence, while creating hundreds of new jobs.”

Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “The UK is already a world-leader when it comes to innovation in aviation and this funding will allow us to carry on supporting the extraordinary work taking place right across the country.

“Innovation delivers real change and our support for dynamic ideas in this exciting sector means we are now seeing real life solutions, like the drone delivery of Covid-19 medical supplies, for challenges such as public health and climate change.”

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