The new Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Delivery Group, set out by transport secretary Grant Shapps and business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, will aim to further Britain’s role in the global effort to end flight emissions.

Launched at the fifth meeting of the Jet Zero Council, the new group will work to position the UK at the "forefront of the global shift to green aviation" by supporting the development of zero emission aircraft and airport infrastructure.

The new group will sit under the Jet Zero Council – an advisory forum with experts from across the industry – and will focus specifically on the technology, infrastructure and regulation needed to make zero emission flight a reality.

Shapps said the UK is "determined to revolutionise" flying and wants to see everyone have the opportunity to travel "guilt-free". 

"From the first jet engine created here in the UK, Britain is truly a world leader in flying," he added. "We are determined to bring forward the flight technology of the future, and through our new Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group we will help create thousands of jobs around the country and take another step toward zero-emission flights."

The new group will be led by aviation expert Rachel Gardner-Poole, who joins with more than 20 years’ experience in military and commercial aviation, both in the public and private sector.