Site revealed for manufacturing of ultra-low emission aircraft

City of Doncaster Council and Hybrid Air Vehicles, a producer of a new type of sustainable aircraft, have agreed to locate the production programme for the Airlander 10 aircraft at Carcroft Common.

Carcroft Common is a 50-hectare site identified by the council for development to unlock new economic growth. The freehold for the site will be acquired by Hybrid Air Vehicles.

Hybrid Air Vehicles will now prepare a planning application for this land.

Subject to planning approval, Hybrid Air Vehicles will develop new flagship facilities for Airlander 10’s production, testing, and certification operations, capable of producing up to 24 aircraft per year at the site.

It will house cutting-edge aerospace production equipment, such as new assembly lines for Airlander’s composite-based airframe, propulsion systems, and electrical and avionics systems.

Airlander 10 is a type of ultra-low emissions aircraft capable of carrying 100 passengers, or ten tonnes of payload.

The reserved orderbook for Airlander 10 stands in excess of £1bn, with the first aircraft set to enter service from 2028 with clients such as Air Nostrum Group.

In partnership with the City of Doncaster Council, Hybrid Air Vehicles will establish Carcroft Common as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in South Yorkshire, creating over 1,200 new jobs.

The business will also work with regional partners like the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, and the Doncaster UTC.

Confirmation of the production site builds on a previous agreement with the Mayor of Doncaster and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, in March 2023. Underpinned by a £7m investment by the region, this included a commitment to collaborate on skills and supply chain development.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “The City of Doncaster is at the forefront of embracing new technology to drive growth and this proposed Hybrid Air Vehicles site is not only part of our ambitious growth strategy but also our pioneering climate change ambitions, focussing on new green advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrial innovation.

“The Heads of Terms agreed are the culmination of years’ worth of lobbying, planning and collaboration that I am incredibly pleased to see coming to fruition.

“Hybrid Air Vehicles in Doncaster is truly an exciting opportunity, bringing high skilled and well-paid jobs to Doncaster.”

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “Following on from our significant commitment to developing South Yorkshire Airport City just last month, we are increasingly putting Doncaster at the cutting edge of sustainable aviation research and manufacturing.

“Hybrid Air Vehicles are an important part of that vision, and I look forward to working with them as they move through the planning process.

“When they do land here, Hybrid Air Vehicles will be part of something special. South Yorkshire is a place with not just a destination in mind but a plan to get there.”

Ed Miliband MP for Doncaster North, Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change and Net Zero, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Carcroft and for Doncaster.

“This new production site will create over 1,200 much needed highly skilled jobs to the area as well as bring green air travel a step closer.”

Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “Airlander 10 will transform what’s possible for sustainable air travel, and Carcroft Common will deliver the flagship production centre we need to do that, creating over 1,200 jobs and a £1bn per annum export.

“Our vision to rethink clean flight has been met with robust support at every step of the way by City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire region.”

Steve Foxley, CEO of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, added: “Hybrid Air Vehicles choosing to base its production of Airlander 10 in our region is a big moment for South Yorkshire and one to be proud of.

“This investment not only brings high-value jobs and new supply chain opportunities but it marks a strong signal of confidence in advanced manufacturing and the new South Yorkshire Investment Zone.

“To have Hybrid Air Vehicles putting its production footprint in South Yorkshire is a real boost to the region’s capability and reputation, helping to grow our green manufacturing cluster, and building on the research and development that is being led by the wider University of Sheffield into sustainable air travel, energy, and how we transition to a low-carbon economy.”