New group of aviation experts to focus on delivering zero emission aviation

The Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group was announced yesterday at the fifth meeting of the Jet Zero Council. It will put the UK at the forefront of innovation to green aviation. The group will support the development of zero-emission planes and the airport infrastructure required for them.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said on Wednesday at the Jet Zero council meeting: “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 Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group, we will help create thousands of jobs around the country and take another step toward zero emission flights.”

The new group will be led by Rachel Gardner-Poole, Chief Operating Officer at Connected Places Catapult.

She joins the group with over 20 years of experience in aviation. She brings experience in both military and commercial aviation, as well as public and private sectors.

Under Rachel’s leadership, the ZEF Delivery Group will build on the foundations of:

• The Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) FlyZero project and
• The Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure project.

Of her new appointment, Rachel Gardner-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.”

Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge will also be announcing the next phase of successful projects soon, this £300m programme (funded by both the Government and industry) will include those forwarding electric flight technologies. They will support the operation of regional and UK aircraft in reaching their net zero targets.