Baroness Vere toured Norwich Airport, owned by Regional & City Airports which is part of Rigby Group, and the neighbouring International Aviation Academy Norwich in the company of Chloe Smith MP to learn more about how the airport is fast becoming a centre of excellence for sustainable aviation.

The Minister visited two workshops involving KLM UK Engineering trainees to see how the Aviation Academy is training the next generation of engineers. And she was introduced to a group of youngsters who have worked with Norfolk-based community interest company NUNCATS on building the first British electric aircraft project of its kind.

While at the academy the Minister also announced £750,000 of additional Government funding to encourage young people to consider a career in aviation. The funding is part of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund and is designed to break down barriers for those who have previously struggled to get a foothold in the aviation industry.

A tour of Norwich Airport followed, where the Minister was briefed on the recent introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Norwich, which typically produces up to 80% fewer lifecycle carbon emissions than the conventional jet fuel it replaces. Norwich Airport is one of the few regional airports in the UK to offer SAF to its customers, including SaxonAir which uses the fuel in its helicopters.