CENTRE FOR FUTURE FLIGHT INNOVATION
Building the
Future of Flight
The Centre for Future Flight Innonvation (CFFI) at Lydd Airport provides a secure environment to test, develop, validate and integrate the next generation of aviation technology.
ABOUT CFFI
What is the CFFI?
The Centre for Future Flight Innovation (CFFI) at Lydd Airport is a dedicated environment for testing, developing and integrating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Combining aviation expertise with opportunities for innovation and collaboration, CFFI supports the development of emerging technologies and their safe integration into the wider aviation environment.
From testing to integration, CFFI is helping shape the future of flight.
KEY SOLUTIONS
Test. Develop. Certify
The Centre for Future Flight Innovation (CFFI) at Lydd Airport provides the environment, infrastructure and expertise to support the full innovation journey – from initial testing through to certification and real-world.
Test
Evaluate new aviation technologies in a safe, controlled and flexible environment.
- Access to segregated and low-density airspace
- Runway and airport infrastructure
- Support from experienced aviation specialists
- Suitable for uncrewed, crewed and hybrid operations
Develop
Refine, scale and integrate new systems with access to the facilities, expertise and operational environment you need.
- Space for research, development and trials
- Collaboration with industry and academic partners
- Integration with existing aviation operations
- Support for data capture, operational trials and real-world use cases
Certify
Support the pathway to approval and operational deployment.
- Facilitate engagement with regulators
- Support evidence generation and compliance
- Operate within established aviation frameworks
- Assist with the integration of new aircraft into real-world airspace
AN ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED FOR WHAT COMES NEXT
Why Lydd?
Lydd provides more than a place to test Future Flight technologies.
It offers the location, expertise, infrastructure and secure environment to help innovation grow from concept to real world operation.
LOCATION
Strategically positioned in Kent, with aviation infrastructure, development space and flexible surrounding airspace.
COLLABORATION
Connecting innovators with aviation expertise, industry, academia and operational partners.
FUTURE-PROOF
Space and infrastructure that can evolve with your technology, from development to deployment.
SAFE & SECURE
A controlled aviation environment where safety and security underpin innovation.
LOCATION
Strategically positioned in Kent, with aviation infrastructure, development space and flexible surrounding airspace.
COLLABORATION
Connecting innovators with aviation expertise, industry, academia and operational partners.
FUTURE-PROOF
Space and infrastructure that can evolve with your technology, from development to deployment.
SAFE & SECURE
A controlled aviation environment where safety and security underpin innovation.
KEY AREAS OF OPPORTUNITIES
Several areas of aviation advancement will be supported at Lydd Airport’s CFFI, creating opportunities to test, develop and integrate emerging technologies as the future of flight evolves.
UNCREWED AVIATION
Testing beyond visual line of sight operations.
AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
Developing and validating increasingly automated
operations.
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY
Exploring the next generation of aircraft and aviation services.
NEW PROPULSION
Supporting cleaner and more efficient aviation
technolodies.
AIRSPACE INTEGRATION
Enabling new aircraft to safely share airspace with existive aviation
CENTRE FOR FUTURE FLIGHT INNOVATION
Frequently Asked Questions
We recognise that innovation brings questions. For local residents, those questions are often about safety, noise, privacy, traffic, the environment and opportunities for future generations. Nationally, there is interest in how CFFI could support the UK’s leadership in future aviation.
These FAQs explain what CFFI is, why Lydd airport will be the first UK CFFI and what the project could mean for both the local community and the wider UK.
WHAT IS A CENTRE FOR FUTURE FLIGHT INNOVATION?
A Centre for Future Flight Innovation is a real-world aviation environment where new technologies can move from development into safe operational deployment.
Lydd CFFI combines a licensed airport, Air Traffic Control, safety systems, adaptable infrastructure and regulatory support in a single location, helping bridge the gap between innovation and real-world aviation.
WHY DOES THE UK NEED A CFFI?
The UK has world-class aerospace, technology and research capabilities, but innovative technologies need somewhere to be tested and integrated into real aviation operations.
CFFI provides the airspace, infrastructure, regulatory support and operational environment needed to move innovations from laboratory concepts to commercial deployment, helping keep investment, expertise, skill, jobs and investment in the UK.
HOW COULD IT BENEFIT THE UK ECONOMY?
By attracting investment, supporting high-value jobs and helping innovative businesses grow in the UK, CFFI could strengthen the country’s position in the rapidly growing advanced aviation sector. Research by the Good Growth Foundation suggests that enabling future flight activity at Lydd Airport could support more than 1,000 [535 of which are estimated to be local] jobs and generate around £75 million in economic value annually
WHY WILL LYDD BY THE FIRST UK CFFI?
Independent analysis by the Good Growth Foundation has identified the airport as having the potential to become a nationally significant hub for advanced aviation technologies.
Lydd combines a unique set of advantages that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
It is an operational licensed airport with existing aviation infrastructure, Air Traffic Control and available development space. It also benefits from relatively uncongested airspace, access to the coast facilities lower-risk over-water operations and proximity to London, the South East and European markets. Most importantly, it allows emerging technologies to be tested and integrated within a real-world aviation environment.
CAN CFFI HELP KEEP AVIATION INNOVATION IN BRITAIN?
Yes, and this retention of skills and innovation is something that all political parties agree on. However, innovative companies require more than funding and engineering expertise. They also need places where technologies can be developed, tested and validated. Providing those capabilities in the UK increases the likelihood that investment, intellectual property and high-value employment remain here.
HOW DOES CFFI SUPPORT SKILLS AND EDUCATION?
Reducing aviation’s environmental impact is a key part of the Future Flight agenda. CFFI is designed to support the development and testing of low-emission aircraft, alternative propulsion systems, sustainable aviation infrastructure and other clean-aviation technologies in a real operational environm
WHAT ROLE COULD UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS PLAY?
Universities and research organisations could use CFFI to conduct applied research, validate technologies, gather operational data and work directly with industry partners. This helps create a pathway from academic research to commercial and operational application.
DOES CFFI HAVE A NATIONAL SECURITY ROLE?
Potentially, and having UK capability is something that has been highlighted as a priority during this year’s party conferences. Many future flight technologies have applications across both civil and defence sectors. Strengthening the UK’s ability to develop, test and operate these technologies supports national resilience, technological leadership and national capability.
WHY ARE REGIONAL AIRPORTS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT?
Regional airports often provide operational flexibility, available development space and less congested airspace than larger airports. These characteristics make them valuable platforms for testing, developing and demonstrating future aviation te
WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE AMBITION FOR LYDD CFFI?
To create a nationally significant centre where the next generation of aviation technologies can move safely from concept to operation. For Lydd and Romney Marsh, that means skilled employment, investment and a sustainable longterm future for the airport. For industry, it means a place to develop and prove new technologies. For the UK, it means helping ensure that the future of aviation is not only invented here, but also tested, developed and deployed here.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR KENT AND MEDWAY?
The project has the potential to bring highly skilled jobs, investment, research partnerships and supply chain opportunities to the region, helping establish Kent as a leading location for the next generation of aviation technologies. The Good Growth Foundation estimates that future flight activity at Lydd Airport could support more than 1,000 jobs and contribute around £75 million annually to the economy.
WHAT WILL CFFI MEAN FOR NEIGHBOURS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
CFFI aims to create long-term opportunities for our neighbours, local communities and the wider Kent and Medway area through skilled jobs, apprenticeships, investment and support for local businesses. Independent economic modelling suggests that a mature aviation technology cluster could support more than 1,000 jobs over time. Our ambition is to develop CFFI in a way that benefits the local economy while respecting the communities that already live and work here.
WILL LOCAL BUSINESSES BENEFIT?
A growing aviation technology cluster needs construction, engineering, logistics, IT services, security, accommodation, hospitality and many other supporting industries.
HOW CAN COMMUNITIES BE REASSURED THAT SAFETY WILL BE REMAIN A PRIORITY FOR LYDD CFFI?
Safety remains our first priority. Any new aviation activity must meet applicable regulatory and safety requirements before it can operate. Furthermore, all aviation activities at the CFFI will be subject to an extremely rigorous internal safety review prior to being authorised to operate; this is alongside the regulatory approvals that will be required.
DOES THIS MEAN DRONES WILL CONSTANTLY FLY OVER MY HOUSE?
No. CFFI does not mean unrestricted drone operations over local communities. One of Lydd’s strengths is its access to coastal and over-water operating areas, helping reduce risk and minimise community impact. Testing activities will not be conducted over populated areas, although some transit flights may occasionally pass overhead where permitted and necessary
HOW WILL LOCAL PEOPLE BE KEPT INFORMED?
Community engagement will be a key part of the CFFI’s development. We intend to provide clear information about significant developments, projects and trials, while giving residents straightforward ways to raise questions, concerns and feedback.
IS THIS REALLY JUST A PLAN TO EXPAND LYDD AIRPORT?
No. CFFI is about broadening the role of Lydd Airport beyond conventional aviation and creating a centre for research, development, manufacturing, testing and innovation. Passenger aviation remains part of the airport, but the focus is on creating a sustainable future role for the airport and the region.
BE PART OF WHAT COMES NEXT
Let’s shape the Future of Flight. Together.
Whether you’re an innovator, operator, academic or investor. we’d like to hear from you.
