sector

Putting Air Mobility and Airports at the Heart of Innovation

Our focus is on aviation climate action, integration of emerging aviation technology, passenger experience, and digitally connecting the aviation ecosystem, in order to position the UK at the forefront of future air transport and aviation sustainability.

Close-up of an airplane's engine and fuselage on a tarmac, with a fuel truck nearby and the sun setting in the background.

decarbonisation

Climate Change is the greatest challenge of our age, and the urgency to act has never been clearer. As we confront this global threat, every sector must play its part, including aviation. Connected Places Catapult play a key role in identifying and finding solutions to these challenges.

An aircraft is being refueled by a fuel truck at night in a snowy airport. There is a person next to the truck, and the plane's engine is visible in the foreground.

Programme / Preparing UK airports for zero emission aircraft

The UK Government is investing in the infrastructure upgrades required at UK airports to move to battery and hydrogen-powered aircraft. As part of this we are delivering the Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure (ZEFI) programme in collaboration with the Department for Transport.

News / Cohort announced for Future of Air Mobility accelerator

Air mobility

Aviation has a great opportunity to catalyse high quality connectivity within and between places – whether physical, digital, or social – and to be a vital enabler of productivity and economic success Emerging aviation technology sparks innovative solutions that are cheaper, greener, and available to all.

A drone hovers near the rotor blades of a wind turbine with more wind turbines in the background over a green landscape.

Programme / Drone Pathfinder Catalyst Programme

The UK has the opportunity to become a world leader in the use of commercial drones. And, with advances in technology innovation and emerging regulatory frameworks, public and private sector organisations are embracing drone solutions to boost productivity and accelerate growth.

Report / Vertiports: Incidental Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits to Local Communities

A drone carrying a package flies over a cityscape with buildings and trees visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

News / Droneport Design and Development Framework

Digital Aviation

The introduction of integrated IoT, AI, cloud-based, data analytical digital technology will revolutionise the aviation industry making it more sustainable, passenger-friendly, safer, cost-effective, and efficient.

Three men in business attire stand on an airport tarmac with two commercial airplanes in the background.

Podcast / Glasgow Airport – UK's first connected airport living lab

Earlier this month the Catapult announced an exciting new venture which will see Glasgow Airport become the UK’s first ‘Connected Airport Living Lab’.

A white quadcopter drone with a camera attached to its underside is flying outdoors against a blurred city skyline backdrop.

Project / Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authentication System (UASAS) project

A drone is flying while carrying a white container labeled "Food Delivery" against a clear blue sky.

Project / ATOMICUS drone project takes off

Podcast / Glasgow Airport – UK's first connected airport living lab

PAssenger Experience

How to optimise the experience of all airport users is an on-going challenge. We explore how stakeholders across the ecosystem can collaborate to improve the airport experience for all passengers.