Future of Flight challenge
Aviation Minister speaks about airspace modernisation strategy and drones at the UKRI's Future of Flight challenge event.
Back in 1903, the Wright brothers took to the sky in the world鈥檚 first ever powered flight, a feat of ingenuity and innovation that won the brothers a place in history. Since then, aviation has changed, technology has changed, the world has changed but this industry鈥檚 spirit has remained the same, with a commitment to progress echoing through the ages.
Today (21 January 2025), we celebrate the聽UKRI鈥檚 Future of Flight Challenge and your excellent work in advancing this industry.聽By creating opportunities across the country and inspiring economic growth, this sector supports government鈥檚 missions and will help us to deliver our bold Plan for Change. That鈥檚 why we have re-committed to the Future of Flight strategic outcome, which includes scaling beyond visual line of sight operations for drones and bringing eVTOL aircraft into routine use.
I鈥檓 pleased to announce that I鈥檒l soon be chairing a renewed Future of Flight Industry Group, bringing experts, local leaders and government together to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges ahead. I also welcome the new Regulatory Innovation Office looking at drones and autonomous technology, which will encourage even more collaboration in this space.
It was great to see drones in action recently at London Health Bridge delivering vital medical products. As we turn our thoughts to what鈥檚 next, the CAA are working on transitioning from short term trials to longer term established operations, reducing the upfront process involved and increasing the time that operations can run. And I know you share my thoughts on the importance of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy as one of our top priorities.
Now, I know you have a busy day ahead of you, so I鈥檇 just like to leave you with words from Orville Wright, one of aviation鈥檚 pioneering brothers:
If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true were really true, there would be little hope of advance.
So, thank you for challenging the status quo, for having the courage to test the truth and for leading the Future of Flight.