UK Government Forms Group of Aviation Experts to Make Zero-Emission Flight a Reality

Aviation experts aim to place Britain at the forefront of clean and sustainable air travel.

Zero-emission flights could soon be possible with a group of aviation experts working with the UK government to develop planes powered by batteries and hydrogen. The new Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group will focus on utilising the latest in aviation decarbonisation technology to make air travel cleaner. 

As part of the UK’s commitment to aid in the global effort to end flight emissions, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng last month set up a new group of aviation experts. The group was launched at the fifth meeting of the Jet Zero Council, which is an advisory forum made up of experts across the industry.
 

The Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group will mean that Britain is at the forefront of the drive for green aviation and the development of zero-emission aircraft, as well as zero-emission airport infrastructure. As well as developing solutions using the latest technologies, the group will also explore how the law needs to adapt in order to allow green aviation to become a reality. 

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Shapps said: “From the first jet engine created here in the UK, Britain is truly a world leader in flying. Now we are determined to revolutionise flying and we want to see everyone have the opportunity to travel guilt-free.

We are determined to bring forward the flight technology of the future, and through our new Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group, we will help create thousands of jobs around the country and take another step toward zero-emission flights.”

The group will sit under the Jet Zero Council and focus on technology, infrastructure and regulation. It will be led by Rachel Gardner-Poole, an aviation expert with over 20 years of experience in commercial and military aviation in both the public and private sectors.
 

Under Ms Gardener-Poole’s leadership, the group will build on the progress made through the FlyZero project, managed by the Aerospace Technology Institute, and the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure project. 

Ms Gardener-Poole said: “It is a great privilege to be asked to be the Chair of the ZEF Delivery Group and I am committed to the critical work ahead to make zero-emission aviation a reality.

I am passionate about using innovation and technology to create a positive impact on our planet and look forward to collectively addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.”