Bristol Airport has announced funding for three new innovation projects aimed at supporting the decarbonisation of the aviation sector through its Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme.
The initiatives, selected for funding in 2026, will explore low-height wind power generation, assess the potential for direct air carbon capture technology, and examine the operational requirements of hydrogen-powered aviation.
Now in its fourth year, the ACT Programme provides financial support to organisations and businesses developing innovative solutions to reduce emissions associated with aviation and airport operations. Since its launch, the scheme has awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds to projects focused on advancing the industry’s sustainability goals.
The 2026 funding round attracted a record 28 applications, with three projects selected following a competitive evaluation process.
Each project will focus on reducing Bristol Airport’s Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions generated by aircraft operations as well as passenger and staff journeys to and from the airport.
Clare Hennessey, director of sustainability at Bristol Airport, said the high level of interest reflected the strength of the region’s aerospace and research community.
“We received a huge number of applications to our 2026 ACT Programme, making choosing successful projects a tough decision,” she said.
“The projects we’re supporting are exceptional and will look to overcome some of the challenges we and the wider aviation industry face. Our region has a unique cluster of aerospace companies, expertise and world-leading universities. Our ACT Programme provides them with funding for innovative ways to reduce emissions, with the option of the airport being available as a testbed for new technology.”
The latest funding round follows a recent announcement from the Department for Transport confirming Bristol Airport’s involvement in three separate aviation decarbonisation projects supported through the £8 million Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator Programme.
Among these initiatives is a planned demonstration of the UK’s first flight by a liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft from a commercial airport, further reinforcing Bristol Airport’s role as a centre for aviation innovation and sustainable flight development.
