Future Flight’s Innovation Lead appointed Director of Connected Places Catapult Air Mobility Directorate

Hannah Tew joins Connected Places Catapult as Director of the new Air Mobility Directorate, announced in October 2020.  The Directorate looks to build on Connected Places Catapult’s leading-edge position in this area and to further expand its impact in the market.   

Hannah joins Connected Places Catapult’s Air Mobility Directorate following her role as Innovation Lead in the Future Flight challenge team  at UK Research and Innovation. There she was responsible for innovation in novel forms of future air transport, specifically the system of systems around automated, unmanned aerial vehicles such as commercial drones, and advanced air mobility using hybrid, electric or hydrogen power. She previously held the position of Partnership Lead in the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.    

Her experience in this field will ensure that Connected Places Catapult is well equipped to amplify its work with UK air mobility innovators, helping them bring their innovations to market and advancing Connected Places Catapult’s involvement in the Future Flight arena.

‘This is a natural progression for me having been involved in a strategic role shaping the Future Flight challenge programme’ said Hannah. ‘Taking on this delivery role ensures that the UK can take advantage of the third revolution in aviation, at this time of significant opportunity and innovation. Connected Places Catapult has laid strong foundations and I look forward to being part of their mission and helping them build on their successes in the Air Mobility space.’

“Hannah’s appointment highlights our commitment to making the UK the place to test, demonstrate and commercialise these technologies. The Catapult has built a track record in helping UK companies exploit new innovation opportunities in emerging markets such as drones and future air mobility, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Hannah and industry to make this a reality.” - Mark Westwood, Chief Technology Officer.  

‘Hannah comes into Connected Places Catapult with experience and a rich network of relationships,’ commented Ruth Mallors-Ray, Air Mobility Associate, Connected Places Catapult. ‘She knows how to navigate industry, government and academia and brings insights and stakeholder understanding of a wider aviation system, along with a complementary and in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing sector. I look forward to working with Hannah in her role as Director of the new Air Mobility Directorate’. 

About Connected Places Catapult

The Connected Places Catapult represents a diverse team which combines extensive experience across the cities, mobility, urban innovation and transport sectors seeking to created Connected Places which are fit for the future. Check back regularly as we will be adding more profiles soon.