The initiative will offer access to a range of aviation assets including runway, airspace and infrastructure test from Exeter’s regional airport, the iAero Innovation Centre & flight zone in Yeovil, as well as a network of other local airfields. It will be supported by world-class research, manufacturing, academia, skills and workforce development from across the South West.
Future Air SW brings together regional partners to unlock new zero‑carbon air mobility and aviation services across the South West, driving economic growth and connectivity. Supported by the Innovate UK Future Flight programme, it is laying the foundations for sustainable, future‑ready aviation ecosystems.
Project RESCUE is accelerating the use of advanced aviation and digital technologies to transform emergency response and rescue operations, improving speed, reach and outcomes. As part of the Innovate UK Future Flight programme, it demonstrates how next‑generation air systems can deliver safer, more resilient public services.
Working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other key stakeholders the FFIZ will support future regulatory development, future air technology testing, skills development, research collaborations and help to drive commercialisation both regionally and nationally.
The UK Future Flight Innovation Zone will support access to an Innovation Advisor who will be the first point of contact with the CAA, providing regulatory guidance and advice on options available to enable innovative operations, providing critical review of proposed trials and documentation, facilitating exchange of knowledge and information between member organisations and CAA Subject Matter Experts, and providing additional support as required to help innovation projects deliver against their objectives.
We have some funding available to support Technology Developers to access initial advice and guidance from the CAA via our FFIZ sand-box, contact Corinne Matthews for more details.
