Aviation East Manifesto has officially launched a bold regional strategy aimed at establishing the UK as a national and international leader in clean aviation technology and advanced aviation mobility. The launch event, held at Saxon Airlines at Norwich Airport, brought together key regional stakeholders, innovators, policymakers and the media to unveil the groundbreaking initiative.
At the heart of the manifesto is its commitment to revolutionizing regional ties, economic opportunities and sustainable flights, fixed by the announcement of a dedicated innovation hub at Norwich Airport. The Manifesto outlines the common ambitions of accelerated adoption of electric and hydrogen aircraft, increased early access to sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and leading the UK in developing commercial drone operations.
Importantly, Aviation East has unique geographical advantages. The rural and coastal landscapes of Norfolk and Suffolk offer the ideal real-world testbed of emerging technologies. With the imminent need for open sky, reduced congestion and improved connectivity, the region is not only suitable for trial and expansion innovation, but also serves as a national model of how clean aviation can meet the specific needs of underserved communities. This is more than just an evolution. It's a regional revolution like East Connect, growth and prosperity.
The launch marked the inclusion of Saxon-based Evotech as the latest member of the Connected Innovation Network, linking Norfolk and Suffolk's most strategic innovation hubs to support regional collaboration in research and development.
“We are pleased to launch the Aviation East Manifesto, which connects innovation. This is a new and exciting time for next-generation aviation. We are pleased to see Norwich Airport play a leading role in R&D and innovation. Asset.” spokesman, Connected Innovation.
The event was hosted by Saxon Air, a longtime advocate for sustainable aviation and a leading architect in the manifesto. As one of the region's leading civil aviation providers, Saxon Air helped shape Aviation East Vision, bring together industry leaders, pioneers in early electric aircraft operations, and invest in infrastructure that supports the future of clean flights. Their leadership has been committed to positioning the East as a hub for low-emission aviation innovation with global potential.
“The Aviation East Manifesto is a statement of intention from the UK East to become a national and international international centre to promote the adoption of new aviation technologies, based on a long history of globally recognized aircraft innovation, and has captured the UK's lead in normalizing the operation of electric aircraft, early availability of sustainable aviation fuels and developing UK drone activities.
As a net contributor to UK GDP, with leaders in a wide range of industry sectors, the region is able to unleash further growth with improved step change in connectivity based on clean aviation innovation. The announced strategy will showcase innovation and opportunities by rural communities, which will help rural communities to increase their connectivity, lock in new skills, and increase their aspirations.
There is the collaborative culture necessary to advance airspace, innovators, aviation expertise, and the latest clean aviation technology. Future mandate agreements in the region can only accelerate this. There is community needs and new talent to drive this generational opportunity, and the aviation manifesto is the catalyst for this.”
Support for the manifesto also reached Westminster last week. During the House debate on sustainable aviation fuels, MP Alice McDonald (Norwich South) shared strong support for the initiative.
“Recently, Norwich Airport, Suffolk, Norfolk County Council and Saxen Air have launched Aviation East. A vision to make East Anglia a sustainable aviation innovation hub. Back Aviation East may unlock Norwich and subsequent growth and employment.” – Alice MacDonald MP.
Participants at the event explored the potential for sophisticated air mobility transformation and discussed how aviation innovation can bring real-world location-based benefits to rural and coastal communities, providing smarter access to new jobs, skills pipelines, climate resilience, and opportunities.
The Aviation East Manifesto marks the beginning of a generation of conversions in British aviation, with the Eastern England equipped with uniquely leading equipment.
