Lydd Airport in the UK has unveiled plans for UK Centre for Future Flight Innovation – a dedicated base for testing the next generation of aviation technology. The plans were showcased at the airport on Thursday 15 October, with live technology demonstrations and representatives from aviation, industry and government.
The CFFI would make use of Lydd’s existing aviation infrastructure and surrounding airspace, with a focus on technologies including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility, autonomous systems and green propulsion technologies, said the airport in a press release. Central to the proposals is securing a commercial Special Use Airspace (SUA) designation at Lydd, providing greater flexibility to test and operate new technologies and helping to address some of the regulatory barriers to bringing them into use.
Sam O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of Lydd Airport, said: “The demand to design, test and build new air systems at scale in the UK already exists, but it won’t wait indefinitely. Other European countries are moving quicker and the UK, a global player in aviation innovation, risks falling behind. Our ambition is for Lydd to become the UK’s Centre for Future Flight Innovation. In partnership with Eagle Eye Innovations, we have developed a roadmap to foster innovation in drones and other new technologies through safe, secure and innovative operations. Lydd can also provide a blueprint for other regional airports, repurposing existing infrastructure and professional capability to drive growth, attract investment and strengthen national capability.”
Eagle Eye Innovations is one of the industry partners supporting the CFFI and has worked with Lydd Airport on the roadmap and strategic vision for the Centre.
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(Image: Lydd Airport)