The Aviation East Manifesto has officially launched a bold regional strategy aimed at establishing the East of England as a national and international leader in clean aviation technologies and advanced air mobility. Hosted at Saxon Air, Norwich Airport, the launch event brought together key regional stakeholders, innovators, policymakers, and media to unveil this landmark initiative.
At the heart of the manifesto is a commitment to revolutionising regional connectivity, economic opportunity, and sustainable flight, anchored by the announcement of a dedicated Innovation Hub at Norwich Airport. 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.
Crucially, 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. 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. This is not simply an evolution- it is a revolution in how regions like the East connect, grow, and thrive.
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.
“We are delighted to see the launch of the Aviation East manifesto today, which Connected Innovation has part funded. This is an exciting era for the next generation of aviation, and we are pleased to see Norwich Airport taking a leading role in R&D and innovation, which will deliver benefits across the wider region and beyond. This includes the Evotech hub becoming the newest member of the Connected Innovation network, linking up Norfolk & Suffolk’s key strategic innovation assets.” Spokesperson, Connected Innovation.
The event was hosted by Saxon Air, a long-time advocate for sustainable aviation and a key architect of the manifesto. As one of the region’s leading private aviation providers, Saxon Air has helped shape the Aviation East vision, bringing together industry leaders, pioneering early electric aircraft operations, and investing in infrastructure that supports the future of clean flight. Their leadership has been instrumental in positioning the East as a hub for low-emission aviation innovation with global potential.
“The Aviation East Manifesto is a statement of intent from the East of England to become a leading national and international centre for advancing the adoption of new aviation technologies. This is based on a long history of globally recognised aviation innovation, which continues with normalising electric aircraft operations, early availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and taking a UK lead in developing commercial drone activity.
As a net contributor to UK GDP, with a wide range of industry sector leaders, the region can unlock further growth with a step change improvement in connectivity, based on clean aviation innovation. The strategy being announced will give rural communities better connectivity, inclusively unlock new skills, and raise aspirations by showcasing innovation and opportunities.
We have the airspace, innovators, aviation expertise and the collaborative business culture needed to advance the latest clean aviation technologies. The upcoming devolution deal for the region can only accelerate this. We have the community need and emerging talent to drive this once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the Aviation Manifesto is the catalyst for this,” said Alex Durand, CEO, Saxon Air.
Support for the manifesto also reached Westminster last week. Speaking during a House of Commons debate on sustainable aviation fuel, Alice Macdonald MP (Norwich South) shared her strong backing for the initiative:
“Recently, Norwich Airport, Suffolk and Norfolk county councils, and SaxonAir 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.” — Alice Macdonald MP.
Attendees at the event explored the transformative potential of advanced air mobility and discussed how aviation innovation can bring real-world, place-based benefits to rural and coastal communities, delivering new jobs, skills pipelines, climate resilience, and smarter access to opportunity.
The Aviation East Manifesto signals the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation in UK aviation, with the East of England uniquely equipped to lead.
