Plans to promote Norfolk's aviation innovation have been announced

A plan has been announced aimed at driving Norfolk to the forefront of UK aviation innovation.

Norwich Airport-based Saxon Airlines said it already owns what was considered to be the only certified electric aircraft in the world.

Dutch businesses now want to connect rural communities by using drones to help them take people around the county.

Norfolk County Council said it supported plans to create an Aviation Development Zone.

Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand said it is a “generation opportunity” to be able to unlock further growth and connectivity in clean innovation.

“The area has the airspace, innovators and aviation expertise that makes this possible and is ideally positioned to advance the latest clean aviation technology,” he said.

“The strategy we are presenting is that by introducing innovation and opportunities by rural communities, rural communities can increase connectivity, trigger new skills locks and increase aspirations.”

Saxon Air handles 45,000 passengers each year — many of them offshore workers — and said they want to focus more on sustainable travel.

Norwich Airport's headquarters have a roof with 470 solar panels to power the electric machine.

The company also has a drone platform, and operations director John Dewing believed that the development of the technology would “prove it in the future” and “push the boundaries” with green innovation.

Saxonair hopes to use drones to transport people into the county and reduce the journey from Norwich to Kingslyn to about 60 minutes.

“We're flying helicopters, so what's the next thing after helicopters: what's the drone,” added Dewing.

“We're trying to push boundaries and connect civil aviation with the private or hobby aspects and make it a viable project.”

But Norfolk County Council said it wanted to see the government invest in the county and hoped it would become a “leader, not a follower” in aviation innovation.

“We've seen a lot of effort and we've seen it,” said Chris Starker, director of growth and investment for the Council.

“We're also branching out into areas like drone technology… I think there's skills, talent and space. That's the perfect combination.”