Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage the development of hybrid electric aircraft in the UK.

The UK has a proud history of leading innovation in aviation and the Department for Transport is working closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure this continues.

The Government recognises that new forms of aircraft such as hybrid and all electric have the potential to create new air services and decarbonise some existing routes.

We are supporting the development and integration of this challenging technology through the Aerospace Sector Deal and the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge.

Government and industry are jointly investing £300m in Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge. Through the Future Flight Challenge, consortia of industry and researchers will be supported to demonstrate the safe integration of electric and autonomous aircraft into UK airspace.