Responding to the announcement from the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of record funding of £685 million to support green aerospace technology, BALPA General Secretary Martin Chalk said:

“BALPA welcomes this announcement of additional R&D funding into our dynamic and innovative aerospace sector. Substantial funding in this area is something BALPA has called for, including in our response to the Jet Zero Strategy consultation.

“It is the right course for the Government following the severe losses airlines sustained as a result of Covid-19, and is a significant foundation in the hard journey that is aviation decarbonisation.

“However, without the involvement of all stakeholders, including those with the real-world experience such as BALPA’s professional pilots, this investment will be less effective. An ecologically, financially and socially sustainable future in aviation is possible, and the UK should lead the way.

“BALPA’s environment position paper outlines further what Government must do, and we look forward to the publication of the Jet Zero strategy later this year.”

ENDS