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.
A man with short, light hair is wearing a black suit jacket, white dress shirt, and is posing against a plain background.

Andrew Chadwick

Ecosystem Director – Air Mobility & Airports

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.

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.

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.

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.

The art of taking flight

News

UK aviation flying high with new tech funding for security

New funding to develop smart airport technology will enable the UK to stay ahead of potential security threats and reduce delays at airports. Pioneering projects will solve complex aviation security challenges and will support jobs and skills across the country.
A logistics hub featuring trucks, shipping containers, a cargo ship, and an airplane in flight during sunset serves as the perfect backdrop for the TRIG 2022 event.
Opportunity

Expression of Interest: TRIG Advisory Board

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Connected Places Catapult are inviting expressions of interest for the brand new TRIG Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the TRIG programme, by providing strategic guidance, sector insights and industry expertise.
Article

Unlocking the UK drone market

Analysis explores the potential of aerial devices for business good.