Government publishes Future Flight 2030 Action Plan
Developed in partnership with the aviation industry and government, the Future Flight 2030 Action Plan, sets out the approach for the making the UK a leader in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, and all electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles (eVTOLs).
The vision for Future Flight
The UK is aiming to be a leader in emerging aviation technologies, with a sustainable industry and thriving ecosystem at home and UK companies providing a range of services around the world by the end of the decade.
By 2030, UK industries and the public will enjoy economic, social and environmental benefits thanks to the widespread availability of these technologies across the economy, communities and transport networks. Use-cases for UAS include drones used to deliver mail to remote areas and improving NHS efficiency through using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to deliver surgical implants and pathology samples between Trust sites. e-VTOLs may be capable of joining cities such as Liverpool and Leeds in just 26 minutes, supporting regional connectivity.
However, scaling this technology is contingent upon a series of strategic objectives to achieve in the years to come. For UAS, these relate to achieving routine operations beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight (BVLOS). For eVTOL, these are focused on delivering initial, and then routine operations carrying passengers or cargo and achieving demonstrations of autonomous operations – during which the aircraft is operating without pilot intervention in the management of the flight.
The pathway to 2030
The Plan has outlined a wide series of commitments and deliverables across Government, the Civil Aviation Authority, and industry. These focus on improving operational capabilities, access and regulation, physical infrastructure and sectoral development.
In balancing the conditions correctly, it is hoped that UAS operations will move from their current usage conditions of 90-day trials in segregated airspace to every-day usage. Longer-duration testing environments, known as Temporary Reserved Areas, will help scale routing operations while a UK version of the Specific Operating Risk Assessment (SORA) will introduce a standardised way to assess and manage the risk posed by a UAS operation.
In the case of e-VTOL, there is an expectation operational networks will grow in scale and range from initial routes to large scale networks between nodes comprising both established aerodromes and new vertiports, offering urban and regional transport options to the consumer. These nodes will also need to develop the charging infrastructure and appropriate electrical energy provision.
Digital infrastructure
The future of flight is dependent on a secure UK-wide connectivity network that supports a safe and efficient ecosystem. techUK continues to engage widely with Government in order to ensure the UK has the foundational cross-cutting systems and structures in place needed to support emerging industries.
Next steps to taking flight
techUK will continue to monitor the evolution of this sector and the implementation of the Action Plan which may include targeted interventions. Members wishing to discuss this sector are encouraged to get in touch.
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Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
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National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussion
A Black Lens: Exploring Representation In The Future of Extended Reality (XR)
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Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
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This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
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This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussionEvent round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
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