Lydd Airport in Kent has unveiled plans to establish a Centre for Future Flight Innovation (CFFI) to test and develop emerging aviation technologies, including uncrewed aircraft, autonomous systems and new propulsion technologies.
image: Lydd Airport CFFI
The initiative is being developed with aviation technology company Eagle Eye Innovations, which has worked with the airport on the centre’s strategic roadmap.
The proposed centre would use Lydd’s existing runway, air traffic control capabilities and surrounding airspace to provide an environment in which new aircraft and systems could be tested and integrated with conventional aviation operations.
A key element of the plan is to secure a commercial Special Use Airspace (SUA) designation. This would provide a managed area for testing and operating emerging aviation technologies, potentially making it easier to conduct trials involving uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility. Any changes to airspace arrangements would be subject to the relevant regulatory processes and safety requirements.
The initiative follows a report published in September by the Good Growth Foundation, which called on the government to accelerate the designation of special-use airspace at Lydd and other regional airports. The report argued that airports with available land, established aviation infrastructure and relatively uncongested airspace could provide suitable locations for drone development, testing and commercial operations.
The foundation identified Lydd as a potential model for other regional airports seeking to diversify beyond conventional passenger aviation. It also highlighted opportunities in research and development, manufacturing, training and the integration of autonomous aircraft into operational airspace.
According to the foundation’s estimates, developing future-flight activity at Lydd could support more than 1,000 jobs across the wider economy and generate approximately £75m in annual economic value.
Lydd Airport chief executive Sam O’Dwyer said the UK risked falling behind other European countries if it did not create the conditions needed to develop and deploy new aviation technologies. He said the airport could provide a model for using existing regional infrastructure to attract investment and support innovation.