EM3 leads the way to promote region’s strengths in Jet Zero technology

Aerospace businesses, trade bodies, local authorities, universities and colleges are joining forces to position a Farnborough-based aerospace cluster as an international and national leader in the development of new technology for a decarbonised air travel industry, aka Jet Zero.

More than 25 organisations came together at a round table event, hosted by Enterprise M3 LEP and Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) to discuss how best to support the sector in meeting the Government’s Jet Zero Strategy –  a UK-wide plan for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

The venue was the Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) at Farnborough College of Technology. The new centre, partly funded by the LEP and opened in July by the then Prime Minister, Rt.Hon. Boris Johnson, MP, offers space and facilities where businesses can develop new technologies in this field. 

The Jet Zero event marked EM3’s first steps towards nurturing a new strand of the internationally-renowned Farnborough aerospace cluster. The development of Advanced Materials and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) were identified as growing areas of strength and potential areas for the region to gain an international and national competitive edge.

Participants also heard about initiatives calling for innovative solutions to address the targets within the Jet Zero strategy, such as the Freedom Flight Prize, which is led by Hampshire-based company Carbon Footprint. 

EM3 Joint Managing Director, Sue Littlemore, who chaired the meeting, said: “We were inspired and excited by the results of this first meeting. It was hugely encouraging to see so many representatives from local businesses and public sector partners participating in the discussions.”

“More businesses, academic institutions and other partners would be very welcome to join our next meeting as we develop the EM3 area Jet Zero Sectoral Cluster. There is good evidence clusters work well, helping to sell and attract inward investment to the region.” 

FAC Chief Executive Officer Alan Fisher said: “It was really great to see so many FAC industry members along with government organisations focussing on what is critical for our future sustainability and reinforcing what is the key capability of the Hampshire region in support of Jet Zero and future flight in general. The road is long, but we are definitely on it.”

The next meeting, a workshop, is being planned to take place at Farnborough Airport, in December, when there will be a sharp focus on exploring actions to develop the region’s Jet Zero cluster and how companies along the supply chain can contribute. It is hoped leading aerospace businesses, including those based at the airport will attend the meeting.

If you would like to know more information about the EM3 Jet Zero cluster or to join the meeting, please email information@enterprisem3.org.uk