UK awards almost £50m to advanced air mobility sector

“This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies,” said security minister Dan Jarvis. “Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky, and protecting the public.”

The £26.5m that is being used to to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape aims to make it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services, and drive economic growth across the UK.

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulation and prepare applications. 

Foundations for commercial operation

The announcement is part of the UK Government’s broader ambition to maintain and expand the country’s position as an aviation superpower – including work to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring high-growth sectors such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have the support they need to grow. This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace modernisation, invest £2.3bn in the development of green aircraft, and provide £63m support for sustainable aviation fuel. 

“Our work going on right now is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics,” said Sophie O’Sullivan, director future safety and innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

“This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and bringing economic growth for the UK.” 

The investment has been welcomed by the industry. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, whose electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle completed a two-way piloted transition – switching from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again – under civil aviation Design Organisation Approval regulatory oversight, in April, said: “This is a welcome investment in the sector by the Government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner. 

“Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real world operations at scale”

“This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector moves towards commercial operations.”

Stephen Wright, chairman and founder of Windracers, which specialises in areas like autonomous cargo solutions and delivering critical services, added: “This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real world operations at scale.

"At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.

"We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.”