ATI comms • 26.04.22 •  2 mins

Launching Destination Zero

Today we’re launching a new technology strategy for UK aerospace, Destination Zero: The Technology Journey to 2050. The strategy document and accompanying roadmaps can be found in the Strategy section of our website.

Destination Zero sets out the UK’s sector-wide aerospace technology strategy and provides guidance on the challenges facing the aerospace industry if we are to meet our 2050 target; likely market technology evolution and adoption rates; and the ATI Programme investment priorities across our areas of focus.

It sets our path towards achieving net zero carbon emissions for commercial aircraft by 2050 and supporting the competitiveness of the UK industry in sustainable design, manufacture, assembly and operations of future aircraft.

The strategy provides guidance on the ATI Programme investment priorities and provides technology roadmaps across three areas of focus:

Zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies

  • Zero-carbon emission technologies are focused on propulsion and infrastructure development to enable zero-carbon tailpipe emissions. This encompasses battery, hydrogen, and fuel cell technologies, much of which are in early stages of development.
  • View the roadmap here.

Ultra-efficient aircraft technologies

  • Ultra-efficient technologies are focused on improving energy efficiency and hence impact CO2 emissions, NOx and noise. Continued development of crucial high value, sustainable, high productivity manufacturing technologies will position the UK to be a first-choice location for the industry.
  • View the roadmap here.

Cross-cutting enabling technologies

  • To enable both the zero-carbon and ultra-efficient opportunities, the UK must develop cross-cutting enabling technologies and capabilities for whole aircraft design and analysis. These capabilities should extend to the aircraft lifecycle from design, through manufacture & assembly, operation, and end of life.
  • View the roadmap here.

A note on funding

Expressions of interest and full stage applications must align with the Destination Zero strategy from Batch 38 onwards. Current expressions of interest and applications to Batch 37 must align with the technology priority areas outlined in Accelerating Ambition. Key dates for the ATI Programme can be found on our Funding page.

To engage with us about our new strategy, or for more information please contact us.