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Aimed at supporting the development of low- and zero-carbon aircraft technology, the ATI will receive £685m through to 2024-25 – an increase of more than 50% on current funding. Industry will also provide funding, taking the total to more than £1bn.
The move is aimed at “cementing the UK’s place at the forefront of advancing new green technology, whilst supporting tens of thousands of jobs,” a government announcement said.
ATI projects include FlyZero, which recently unveiled three distinctive concepts for hydrogen-fuelled aircraft (pictured). It has also supported projects including the six-seater ZeroAvia hydrogen-electric aircraft, and development of the Rolls-Royce UltraFan, designed to be the world’s largest aero-engine.
“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,” said industry minister Lee Rowley.
“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.”
The government has also confirmed that the ATI Programme will reopen to new funding applications next Monday (4 April). The programme began in 2013, and has since secured more than 81,000 high value jobs and added £97bn in value to the economy. Thanks to its success, it received an extension to 2031.
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 £180m 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.”
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