Regulator launches third round of funding to deliver airspace modernisation

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a third round of its £2 million funding to help support airspace modernisation projects across the United Kingdom.  

The Airspace Modernisation Support Fund (ASF) is part of the regulator’s work in setting out a vision for the future of UK airspace, which will help deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys.  

This is the final call for applications for 2023 and so far the UK Civil Aviation Authority has supported nine organisations to further work that will contribute towards airspace modernisation. 

One company, Skyverse received funding to run a project to look into the digitisation of flight data for Air Traffic Services.  

Other successful applicants to previous fund allocations have also included organisations looking into the interoperability of electronic conspicuity systems, improving Flight Information Display documentation, and research towards distribution of aircraft noise. 

The Fund – which amounts to £2 million annually - gives the opportunity for organisations to seek financial support that cannot be funded by other means.  

Eligible projects must support the ambitions of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy and be from organisations actively engaged in modernising UK airspace. 

Stuart Lindsey, Head of Airspace Modernisation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: 

“Our Airspace Modernisation Support Fund has allowed organisations to further the important work being done across the sector to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our airspace. 

“So far nine organisations have been supported by our funding to help the aviation industry modernise our airspace and it is vital we continue to look for organisations with pioneering research and ideas to drive forward changes to our airspace.” 

Mike Bramworth, CEO at Skyverse said:  

“The Airspace Modernisation Support Fund enabled us to prototype how to digitally integrate General Aviation movements into the wider aviation network in pursuit of safer and more efficient skies. This is another step towards revolutionising Air Traffic Services, and therefore working towards modernising the UK’s airspace.”  

The regulator is keen to see applications from industry that can assist in advancing developments on the scalable integration of diverse users, new entrants and the future integration of air traffic.  

The call for applications is open from today (2 October 2023) until 6 November 2023. This is the final call for proposals in 2023, with further funding expected to be made available in 2024. 

Notes to editors: 

• More information on the Airspace Modernisation Support Fund can be found on UK Civil Aviation Authority’s website. Applications to the Fund can be made via an application form; the completed form should be sent to mailto:airspace.modernisation@caa.co.uk no later than 6 November 2023. 
• We are keen to hear from organisations that can work towards the objectives and elements of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. 
• The ASF is open to proposals from recognised UK legal entities, other than NERL and the UK Civil Aviation Authority. 
• There have been nine projects previously funded by the Airspace Modernisation Support fund. 

• The UK Civil Aviation Authority published it’s refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy in January 2023, setting out a vision for the future of UK airspace which will help deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys, as well as create more capacity for the benefit for those who use and are affected by UK airspace. 
• The Secretary of State has given the UK Civil Aviation Authority the function to prepare and maintain a co-ordinated strategy and plan for the use of all UK airspace for air navigation up to 2040, including for the modernisation of the use of such airspace. This is consistent with the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s role as specialist aviation regulator and its statutory responsibilities. 
• More information on the Airspace Modernisation Strategy 2023–2040.