The UK government has launched a 10-point plan to help the aviation sector rebuild consumer confidence, build back sustainably from the pandemic, support jobs across the country and build a diverse workforce.
Launched by aviation minister Robert Courts during a visit to Heathrow, Flightpath to the Future will be supported by a new Aviation Council made up of airlines, airports and wider representatives from the aviation sector, as well as ministers and officials from both the UK government and devolved administrations.
The council will "work to use the lessons learned from the pandemic" to support recovery and make air travel better for passengers and better for the planet.
The government will also launch a new Aviation Passenger Charter later this year, a guide for consumers informing them of their rights and what they can reasonably expect of the aviation industry when flying. It will be developed in partnership with industry and consumer groups.
Aviation minister Robert Courts said the pandemic posed an "existential threat" to the aviation sector. "Now recovery has started, we have a chance to build back better than ever before," he continued.
"By working closely with the sector to focus on sustainable growth, powered by the latest innovations, we can ensure aviation creates jobs and opportunities across all four nations of the UK."
The government will also work with the sector to develop the right skills and workforce to accommodate new technologies from drones, flying taxis and electric planes.
The plans will deliver new jobs and better connectivity by making the UK one of the first countries in the world to use new aircraft to provide low carbon transport for goods, people and trade.
The publication follows transport secretary Grant Shapps’ challenge to the industry to deliver the first ever net-zero transatlantic flight by the end of 2023, powered purely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).