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.

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

Drone solutions provider powering infrastructure inspection secures major contract and investment
Article

Drone solutions provider powering infrastructure inspection secures major contract and investment

Autonomous aerial solutions specialist sees.ai – a participant in Connected Places Catapult’s Drone Pathfinder programme – has won a contract with National Grid to autonomously inspect live power lines, and has just raised £3.65m in venture capital to further develop its technology.
Exterior view of Glasgow Airport terminal building with white taxis lined up in the designated pick-up area, showcasing Glasgow Airport's accessibility features.
Opportunity

Accessibility and assistance services trials at Glasgow Airport

Connected Places Catapult and Glasgow Airport have collaborated to create the Connected Airport Living Lab, a collaborative R&D asset used to showcase UK-developed innovations, attract investment, and act as an innovation catalyst for the aviation sector.
Airfield survey specialists trial systems at Glasgow Airport
Article

Airfield survey specialists trial systems at Glasgow Airport

Four emerging technology companies have demonstrated new approaches to airport pavement inspection through the Connected Airport Living Lab programme.