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Heathrow to shake-up UK aviation with drone research

Government
James Chapple
18 February 2021

Heathrow has successfully pitched two schemes to the government’s Future Flight Challenge, which it believes could provide the basis for a UK-wide low-carbon domestic aviation network.

Heathrow says its pitches will help formulate a blueprint for a low-carbon UK aviation network

Project Napkin, New Aviation Propulsion Knowledge and Innovation Network, will draft a blueprint for zero-carbon regional air travel in the UK through the introduction of new technologies and procedures.


Fly2Plan, meanwhile, will look at ways to use data collected by the airport more efficiently, which Heathrow says has the potential to break down barriers to new entrants, cut costs, and even pave the way for autonomous drone flight in UK airspace.


Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge is funded through £125 million in government grants, and aims to safeguard the UK’s aerospace prowess, cut emissions, and create new economic opportunities.