A new report has identified the skills, training and talent pipeline needed to support the growth of the Future Flight sector across Somerset and Devon. Developed through engagement with industry partners including Airbus, Leonardo Helicopters, ADS Group, ARPAS-UK, Exeter Aerospace, Weston College, Yeovil College and the University of Exeter, the study highlights opportunities in drones, advanced air mobility, sustainable aviation and digital technologies. It also recommends stronger collaboration between industry and education to ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to support future growth.
SWFFIZ / Somerset Council commissioned the University of Plymouth to create a Technology Adoption Roadmap exploring how emerging technologies (in drones tech and satellite applications) can help farmers and land managers across Somerset and Devon address real-world challenges, improve productivity and support environmental outcomes.
This SWFFIZ pilot explored how drones, digital asset management platforms and data analytics can help public sector organisations and housing providers inspect, monitor and manage property assets more efficiently.
Somerset Council were recently part of the Connected Places Catapult IPEC cohort looking at how to address the challenge of procurement for innovative, first of a kind services utilising drone tech and data capture.
Project RESCUE (funded via the Innovate UK Future Flight Programme) explored how drone technology can strengthen Somerset’s response to flooding and other environmental emergencies by providing faster, safer and more accurate intelligence before, during and after an incident. The project brings together public sector partners, emergency responders and industry to develop a sustainable drone-enabled resilience service for Somerset.
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.
