EM3 leads regional response to the global Jet Zero challenge  

Enterprise M3 LEP brought together key stakeholders of a newly formed Jet Zero Cluster at Farnborough Airport, in Hampshire, to identify regional strengths in three important areas for greener aviation.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), advanced materials and airport operations including hydrogen fuel storage, are crucial in meeting the Government’s Jet Zero Strategy – a UK-wide plan for achieving net zero aviation by 2050. 

The workshop was the second EM3 Jet Zero Strategy event, with representatives from aerospace businesses, trade bodies, local authorities and universities – all part of the internationally renowned Farnborough-based aerospace cluster.

During the workshop Mark Sanderson, Group Corporate Responsibility Manager at Farnborough Airport, spoke of how the airport has plans to achieve Net Zero emissions within its direct and indirect control by 2030 or sooner.

This will result in a 91% reduction of emissions with Farnborough being the first airport in the world to offer SAF, which can reduce life cycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%.

Ayantika Mitra, Business Strategy Director, TISICS Metal Composites, spoke of how materials technology has the potential to transform CO2 reduction in aviation. She said this presents a significant growth opportunity for UK aerospace with the EM3 region well positioned to capture a significant proportion of growth markets.​ Ayantika emphasised collaboration is key in capturing growth opportunities, providing green jobs in aviation’s transformation to Net Zero.

Keen to include partners beyond the EM3 area, Stuart Baker, Business Development Manager, Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, was invited to discuss the recently launched Solent Cluster Decarbonisation Initiative, while Tom Carnay, Strategic Innovation Programme Lead, from University of Southampton shared information about opportunities for funding cluster development.

Sue Littlemore, Joint Managing Director for EM3 who chaired the workshop said: “There is a tremendous amount of fantastic work going on based in and around Farnborough and resonating out across the rest of the EM3 area and beyond, which we should shine a light on.”

“The Farnborough Aerospace cluster clearly has great strengths in research, innovation and business development and we look forward to working with the range of partners to lead the way in ensuring the aviation sector meets the Jet Zero targets, and the Farnborough-based regional aerospace sector is recognised as a major contributor to those goals.”

If you would like to know more information about EM3’s work with the Jet Zero Cluster please email information@enterprisem3.org.uk