PwC is helping to shape the future of UK aviation

PwC recently completed a socio-economic study for the Future Flight Challenge (FFC) which indicated that switching to new drone and other aviation technologies could be up to 48% cheaper, deliver faster journey times and improve safety compared to current methods.

There are considerable opportunities for developments in aviation technologies to boost the UK economy and deliver wider societal benefits. The Future Flight Challenge (FFC), a £125 million (£300 million matched) programme which is part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), aims to stimulate the development and application of new aviation technologies and position the UK as a global leader in this field.

We were commissioned to undertake a socio-economic study to develop a holistic framework that could be used to assess the potential costs and benefits of selected projects, to assist the FFC with their assessment of certain bids for funding. We analysed six use cases for new aviation technology. Three use cases consider drone applications: powerline inspection, cargo delivery (replacing airfreight) and delivery of prescription medicines. The other three use cases cover passenger transportation and are referred to as “advanced air mobility” (AAM): sub-regional air taxi, rural air taxi and urban air taxi. Read the short summary of our findings

The FFC will initially give 48 UK projects a share of £33.5 million to help accelerate the adoption of the new aviation technologies. In November the first 20 FFC funded projects were announced and will receive over £7 million in funding. Find out more now.