CAAi and FlyZero announce partnership on zero-carbon emission flight

CAA International (CAAi), the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), and the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) FlyZero Project have announced a partnership to help shape the future of zero-carbon emission commercial air travel.  

Led by the ATI and backed by the UK government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, FlyZero is a one-of-a-kind research project aiming to realise zero-carbon emission commercial aviation by the end of the decade.

FlyZero is bringing experts together from across the UK to conduct a detailed and holistic study of the design challenges, manufacturing demands, operational requirements and market opportunity of potential zero-carbon emission aircraft concepts.

Over the next eight months, CAAi and FlyZero will work together on a range of regulatory questions and investigate the regulatory landscape needed for the next generation of zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies and their safe operation, and how the UK can play a leading role. CAAi’s assistance will cover several areas, including zero-carbon emission aircraft concepts, zero-carbon emission energy sources, aircraft certification, propulsion systems, non-CO2 aircraft emissions and airport operations. 

Maria Rueda, Managing Director at CAAi, said: “We are delighted to be working with FlyZero – a climate action initiative fundamental to the future of commercial air transport. We look forward to collaborating with the FlyZero team and stand committed to helping FlyZero identify a suitable pathway to greener, more sustainable aviation.”

Chris Gear, Project Director for FlyZero, added: “Understanding the regulatory framework required for the safe operation of zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies is key to the success of FlyZero. Working with CAAi will support our mission to shape the future of sustainable aviation as we explore the regulations, certification and aviation inputs needed to realise zero-carbon emission commercial flight by 2030.”

CAAi’s support to FlyZero began in April 2021 and is expected to conclude in December.