The government is joining up with the aviation industry to pump £113 million into hydrogen and all-electric flight technologies.
Zero-carbon technologies could enable electric flying taxis and hydrogen powered aircraft to open up a future of “guilt-free” flying, ministers believe.
Views are also being sought on how airport operations in England can abolish emissions by 2040 – a target set as part of the government’s Jet Zero Strategy established last July.
Projects to be backed via a co-funded Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme include a bid to develop high-end, lightweight batteries by Bristol-based electric aircraft manufacturer Vertical Aerospace.
Rolls-Royce is also leading plans to create a liquid hydrogen combusting jet engine, which would enable flight without the carbon emissions.
The ATI programme follows the first flight by ZeroAvia’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered 19-seat aircraft in January.
Business secretary Grant Shapps said: “Guilt-free flying is within our reach, and we are backing the world-leading UK firms whose skills and ingenuity are going to make that dream a reality.
“As the whole world moves to greener forms of aviation, there is a massive opportunity for the UK’s aerospace industry to secure clean, green jobs and growth for decades to come. Together with the companies that share our ambitions, we are determined to seize this moment.”
Transport secretary Mark Harper added: “The Jet Zero Council is helping to define the future of flying – one that’s more optimistic about the sector’s environmental impact while putting UK innovation at the forefront of international aviation.
“As well as developing the next generation of aircraft, it’s also crucial we make the sector greener on the ground, and the call for evidence we’re launching today will help us gather evidence on how airports can reach zero emissions by 2040.”
The Jet Zero Council government and industry initiative aims to fast-track ambitions for zero-emissions flights by 2050 using advanced technologies and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Jet Zero Council chief executive Emma Gilthorpe, chief operating officer at Heathrow, said: “The launch of the Jet Zero strategy last year was a key milestone on the path to decarbonising aviation, and it’s fantastic to see the progress that has been made since then, such as on boosting the UK’s SAF industry and with the International Civil Aviation Organisation aiming to reach net zero by 2050.
“This investment, and the launch of the call for evidence on how airports in England can reach zero emissions by 2040, are another vital part of that journey and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in industry and government to define the future of flying.”