Bristol Airport has announced it will be the first net zero airport by 2030, announced during a business breakfast called “Future of Flight” the south west regional airport welcomed a number of business, aviation and aerospace industry leaders from across the region. During the meeting a number of discussions took place on how the airport and other companies and businesses in the region can work together to support the aviation sectors transition to net zero by 2030.
The event was held on the southside of the airport in one of Centreline’s hangars and attended by Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees; Leader South Gloucestershire Council Toby Savage; Michael Cervenka, President, Vertical Aerospace and James Richmond, Advanced Air Mobility Lead, Atkins.
At the event Bristol Airport announced it will successfully achieve being a carbon neutral airport four years ahead of schedule becoming carbon neutral before the end of 2021. Bristol Airport is taking a leadership position in the industry and confirmed that it will be the first UK net zero airport by 2030, this will be 20 years ahead of the governments target date. Bristol Airport made three key commitments to be a net zero airport, with net zero airport buildings and operate a net zero fleet of airport vehicles.
A consortium led by Atkins (of which Bristol Airport is a participant) is exploring the feasibility of air taxi services in the South West using eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. The project aims to create a blueprint for the supporting complex physical and digital infrastructure and one that with successful demonstration can be used by many to revolutionise transportation in a sustainable way.
Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport said:
“Today is another milestone in looking towards the future showcasing how businesses in the region collaborating together using the latest technology and innovative solutions will meet decarbonisation targets. The aviation industry is taking its responsibilities seriously in addressing climate change challenges, working together to create the solutions now and in the future.”
The event is part of series being organised by Bristol Airport which aims to showcase the region’s role in driving clean aviation growth and set out proposals on how the aviation sector can decarbonise.
Further collaborations and proposals are expected in the coming months as the region turns towards recovery from Covid-19 and in the lead up to COP26 later this year. This will include working with the Western Gateway to promote and maximise economic growth across the West of England and South Wales.
Simon has been writing aviation articles for nearly 10 years and is the senior article writer at Fresh Aviation, with a background in aviation and a commercial pilot Simon knows his stuff in the aviation world. Simon has spoken on BBC Radio, contributed to Bristol Post and has various aviation articles on various websites.