Last month, Cleantech for UK had the privilege of visiting Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) alongside Bedfordshire MP Mohammed Yasin at their development centre in Bedford. This visit came at a pivotal moment, aligning just prior to the government’s introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate—a cornerstone policy for driving decarbonisation within the aviation sector, though peripheral to the vision of Hybrid Air Vehicles.
The UK SAF mandate sets ambitious benchmarks, requiring 2% of the nation’s total jet fuel demand to be met by SAF in 2025, increasing to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. While this policy is undoubtedly a significant step forward, it raises some important questions: Does prioritising SAF risk diverting attention from other critical innovations in the sector? Could this narrow focus limit the ability to capitalise on the broader market opportunities that aviation innovation presents?
Hybrid Air Vehicles exemplify the kind of groundbreaking innovation that can complement SAF in transforming aviation. These hybrid airships use a unique combination of aerodynamic design and lighter-than-air (LTA) technology to generate lift, enabling them to remain airborne for extended periods—potentially several weeks. This technology opens the door to transformative possibilities across the industry.
The potential applications of HAVs are extensive, addressing key challenges through their unique capabilities:
During our visit, Cleantech for UK, Mohammed Yasin MP, and HAV CEO Tom Grundy engaged in discussions about the critical need for government mechanisms to support and scale such cutting-edge technologies. Central to these discussions was the importance of ensuring that initiatives like the National Wealth Fund recognise the substantial economic and environmental potential of HAVs and similar innovations.
As the UK strives to achieve its net-zero ambitions, it is essential to capture the full spectrum of aviation innovation. By fostering a progressive approach that includes ground-breaking technologies like Hybrid Air Vehicles, the UK can solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable aviation. The opportunities are vast, but realising their potential will require strategic investments and supportive policies that prioritize long-term impact.
