The UK government has allocated over £20 million to help develop drone and flying taxi technologies. This funding aims to overcome barriers to growth and improve public services while reducing carbon emissions. It is expected to support a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, crime prevention, infrastructure inspections, and delivery services for businesses and communities across the country.
The government is working with several agencies, including the Department for Transport (DfT), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) in the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), to streamline regulations for the industry. This collaboration is set to promote the commercial use of drones and flying taxis, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane expressed his vision for the UK to become a global leader in aviation technology. “Our investment, combined with the efforts of the Future of Flight industry group, will bring together experts from various sectors to drive innovation and ensure everyone benefits from cutting-edge transport,” Kane said. He emphasized the importance of a flexible regulatory environment to help reduce emissions, ease traffic congestion, and potentially save lives.
A Smarter Regulatory Approach
The RIO is playing a key role in making the regulatory process more efficient while maintaining high safety standards. One of the major initiatives includes introducing electronic conspicuity standards, which would enable aircraft to share their locations electronically, ensuring drones and crewed aircraft can operate safely in the same airspace. The government is also working to speed up approvals for drone operations, which will help the industry grow while maintaining safety.
Science Minister Lord Vallance highlighted the benefits of these regulatory changes, particularly the safety improvements they will bring. “These reforms will make drone operations safer, particularly in critical areas such as medical supply deliveries and operations near airports,” Lord Vallance said. He added that the reforms would help the UK maintain its position as a leader in emerging technologies.
Simplifying Drone Operations
In addition to the regulatory changes, the government is taking steps to make it easier for emergency services like firefighters and paramedics to use drones. Plans are also in place to allow drone operations for longer periods and gather data to improve future services. These changes aim to streamline the process for drone operators, enabling them to get flying faster and more easily.
The Future of Flight industry group will be instrumental in guiding these efforts. The group, which includes drone operators, flying vehicle innovators, and local authorities, will work closely with the government to help shape the future of aviation technology.
Funding for Advanced Aviation Technologies
As part of the funding, the CAA will receive £16.5 million for the 2025-2026 period to develop a regulatory framework for drones flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and for the use of air taxis (eVTOLs) in UK airspace. This will include creating a roadmap for piloted eVTOLs, developing pathways for the drone industry, and consulting on air traffic management technologies such as Detect and Avoid (DAA).
Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson expressed enthusiasm about the future of flying taxis, calling them a game-changer for transportation. “Flying taxis will offer quicker, quieter, and cleaner travel, connecting communities and supporting essential services,” Simpson said. He emphasized that the UK has the opportunity to lead the world in this new era of aviation, creating jobs and economic growth.
Future Flight Challenge to Support Innovation
The government’s Future Flight Challenge will receive up to £5 million from the DfT and Innovate UK to help turn these new technologies into commercially viable solutions. This funding will support regional demonstrations and the development of drone and air taxi services.
Mike Biddle, Innovate UK’s executive director of Net Zero, said the initiative builds on the success of the Future Flight Challenge. “We are excited to accelerate the transition from innovation to commercial operations, working closely with industry partners and government agencies,” Biddle added.
The funding announcement marks a significant step towards the realization of the UK’s vision for a more sustainable and connected aviation system, positioning the country as a leader in next-generation flight technologies.
