Aviation East Manifesto launch demonstrates the East of England’s ambition and capability in aviation technology adoption

The Aviation East manifesto was launched today at an event at Klyne Aviation Business Centre at Norwich Airport.

Alex Durand, CEO of Klyne Aviation was keen to emphasise the significance of the manifesto launch and how the East of England is taking a lead in aviation technology adoption.

“The Aviation East Manifesto is a statement of intent from the East of England to become a leading national and international centre for advancing the adoption of new aviation technologies. This is based on a long history of globally recognised aviation innovation, which continues with normalising electric aircraft operations, early availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and taking a UK lead in developing commercial drone activity .

As a net contributor to UK GDP, with a wide range of industry sector leaders, the region can unlock further growth with a step change improvement in connectivity, based on clean aviation innovation. The strategy being announced will give rural communities better connectivity, inclusively unlock new skills, and raise aspirations by showcasing innovation and opportunities.

We have the airspace, innovators, aviation expertise and the collaborative business culture needed to advance the latest clean aviation technologies. The upcoming devolution deal for the region can only accelerate this. We have the community need and emerging talent to drive this once in a generation opportunity, and the Aviation Manifesto is the catalyst for this.”

Support for the manifesto also reached Westminster last week. Speaking during a House of Commons debate on sustainable aviation fuel, Alice Macdonald MP (Norwich South) shared her strong backing for the initiative:

“Recently, Norwich Airport, Suffolk and Norfolk county councils, and SaxonAir launched Aviation East: a vision to make East Anglia an innovation hub for sustainable aviation. Sustainable aviation fuel was referenced as one of the vital building blocks for that mission. The East of England is already seeing amazing work to revolutionise the way we travel, resulting in faster, cleaner transport solutions such as electric aircraft and drone taxis. I am proud to back Aviation East, which could unlock growth and jobs in Norwich and beyond.”

The Aviation East cluster and Evotech hub at Norwich Airport will become the latest cluster and Innovation Hub members within the Connected Innovation network.

James Allen, Connected Innovation Programme Manager reflected on the expanding cluster and hub network.

‘We are delighted to see the launch of the Aviation East manifesto today, which Connected Innovation has part-funded. This is an exciting era for the next generation of aviation and we are pleased to see Norwich Airport taking a leading role in R&D and innovation, which will deliver benefits across the wider region and beyond. This includes the Evotech hub becoming the latest member of the Connected Innovation network (linking up Norfolk & Suffolk’s key strategic innovation assets).’

The Evotech hub has become the newest member of the Connected Innovation network which takes the number of Innovation Hubs to 28 across Norfolk and Suffolk – which you can see in the map below.