24 June 2025
Norwich Airport is to have a dedicated Innovation Hub as part of a regional strategy to position the East of England as a national and international leader in clean aviation technologies and advanced air mobility.
The strategy, called Aviation East Manifesto, was launched last week at an event, hosted at Saxon Air, Norwich Airport. It brought together key regional stakeholders, innovators, policymakers and media.
The manifesto outlines a shared ambition to accelerate the adoption of electric and hydrogen aircraft, increase early access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and lead the UK in developing commercial drone operations.
According to a statement released by Saxon Air, Aviation East has a unique geographical advantage: the rural and coastal landscape of Norfolk and Suffolk offers the ideal real-world testbed for emerging technologies.
Launch of the Aviation East Manifesto at Norwich Airport recently. Photo: Saxon Air
“With open skies, lower congestion, and a pressing need for improved connectivity, the region is not only well-positioned to trial and scale innovation, but also to serve as a national model for how clean aviation can meet the specific needs of underserved communities.”
The launch also marked the inclusion of Evotech, based at Saxon Air, as the newest member of the Connected Innovation network, linking Norfolk and Suffolk’s most strategic innovation hubs and supporting region-wide collaboration in research and development.
Local MP, Alice Macdonald, shared her backing for the initiative in a House of Commons debate.
She said, “Recently, Norwich Airport, Suffolk and Norfolk county councils, and Saxon Air launched Aviation East: a vision to make East Anglia an innovation hub for sustainable aviation. Sustainable aviation fuel was referenced as one of the vital building blocks for that mission.
“The East of England is already seeing amazing work to revolutionise the way we travel, resulting in faster, cleaner transport solutions such as electric aircraft and drone taxis. I am proud to back Aviation East, which could unlock growth and jobs in Norwich and beyond.”
