What do publics think the future of flight should look like in the UK?

University of Birmingham experts today (26 Mar) launched a report with recommendations for the inclusive, sustainable and socio-economically beneficial development of ‘future flight’ - new forms of air transport which could revolutionise regional connectivity, delivery logistics, and public services.

Innovation in electric and hydrogen aviation technologies and a growing need for clean transport could see next generation drones, as well as electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) and regional air mobility (RAM) aircraft boosting sustainable connectivity between poorly connected towns, cities and communities across the UK.

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Future Flight Challenge, this report launch at the House of Commons, Navigating Future Flight: Societal Principles for Drones and Advanced Air Mobility in the UK outlines key recommendations to ensure safe, inclusive and effective implementation that engages with social and community needs, expectations or concerns.

Alongside the report’s launch, its authors have also created the Future Flight podcast series – the first three episodes of which are now available  – providing stimulating discussion around the potential social impacts and implications of these novel technologies.

The report makes several key recommendations on Future Flight technologies:

• Public Good - Technologies should be prioritised for deployment where they offer more positive impacts than negative ones for society. This includes improving emergency response, connectivity in remote areas, and sustainability.
• Regulation - Developers and operators of technologies must be held accountable by independent bodies. Regulation should be established before roll-out and include issues such as accessibility, impacts on wildlife, noise, surveillance, and safety.

• Safety - Technologies must adhere to high safety standards, equal to or stronger than existing modes of transport. This includes robust training and licensing for operators and meaningful consequences for those who contravene safety standards.

• Social Inclusion and Accessibility - Vehicles and operations must be designed with accessibility in mind from the start. This includes considering all disabilities, including non-visible ones, and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to all.

• Affordability - Services must be affordable to the public and not only available to the wealthiest. If taxpayer money is involved, the roll-out should prioritise areas with poor public transport connectivity.

• Environment - Limiting the negative impacts of technologies on wildlife and habitats must be a priority. This includes conducting independent research on impacts and involving experts in decision-making.

• Transparency - There should be full disclosure on the sustainability and supply chains of technologies. Public communication is critical to raise awareness and build knowledge of the risks and benefits.

• Collaboration and Consultation - Specialists and the public must be involved in the development of technologies. This includes consulting experts, NGOs, and the public in decision-making processes.

Professor Fern Elsdon-Baker, Director of the Research Institute for STEMM in Culture and Society (ISTEMMiCS) at the University of Birmingham, commented: "The way we think about our skies is changing, and ‘Future Flight’ technologies may herald a new era in mobility. Next generation drones can transport consumer packages, medical equipment, and disaster relief, whilst eVTOLs could reduce travel times and create more sustainable options for short hop flights in ways that are very different to how we currently think about using aviation.

“Our report highlights the importance of engaging with a wide range of people from across the UK and ensuring that Future Flight technologies are developed in a way that benefits society. By prioritising social benefits, inclusivity, and sustainability, we can harness the full potential of these innovative technologies."

The report was developed through extensive public engagement and social research. The recommendations aim to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in the socio-economically beneficial and equitable implementation of Future Flight technologies.

Dr. Will Mason-Wilkes, Assistant Professor in Engineering, Technology and Innovation in Society at the University of Birmingham, commented: "Our recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for the responsible development and deployment of Future Flight technologies. We believe that by following these principles, we can create a future where advanced air mobility serves the public good."