Kevin Craven
Chief Executive, ADS
Aviation faces decarbonisation pressure. Emerging clean, efficient technology offers flexible air travel, with the UK poised to lead in development and deployment.
With other European countries facing regulatory and commercial headwinds, the UK stands alone as perhaps the only nation in the region currently capable of bringing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to market in the near term.
If harnessed effectively, this could be a cornerstone of a green industrial strategy that supports thousands of high-skilled jobs, strengthens domestic supply chains and levels up connectivity across our regions.
Upsides of eVTOL for the UK
PwC estimates that Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) could generate over £2 billion in annual socioeconomic benefits for the UK by 2040. This technology could slash carbon emissions by hundreds of millions of tonnes and ease pressure on our roads and rail networks by providing new, sustainable transport alternatives.
If the UK wants to be more than a sandbox, it must take bold policy action now. First, the Government must match its strategic ambitions with tangible commitment. A robust Future of Flight programme plan is required to deliver the announced goal of having commercial piloted eVTOL operations in the UK by 2028. This should be jointly developed with industry through the Future of Flight Industry Group and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders.
Such a plan should include provisions for capability and capacity for Government departments and regulators to deliver the enabling conditions for a flourishing eVTOL market.
If harnessed effectively, this
could be a cornerstone of a
green industrial strategy.
Regulation and market confidence
Second, regulation needs to keep pace. Investor and market confidence rely on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) defining a credible rulemaking roadmap towards a clear regulatory framework that allows initial eVTOL operations in the agreed timeframes.
Industry is ready. Test flights are happening. What’s needed is certainty: a regulatory runway that allows investment and innovation to scale with confidence.
Public support will be equally vital
Like all disruptive innovations, vertical flight risks becoming a target of scepticism — over noise, safety or exclusivity — if its social benefits aren’t clearly communicated. Ultimately, there is untapped potential for public good — bringing remote areas closer, healthcare potentials and the myriad ways that eVTOL could improve everyday life.
It’s critical that government and industry work together to build trust. Demonstrations of real-world applications – from air ambulances to disaster response – are fundamental to public support. With the right mix of regulation, investment and vision, the UK can be more than a participant in this new chapter. We can be its author.
