Region's aviation ambitions signalled during Dutch Ambassador's visit

Ambitions for Norfolk to become the country's leading region for aviation innovation and first Aviation Development Zone were signalled as the Dutch Ambassador to the UK made a prestigious two-day visit.

Paul Huijts was visiting Saxon Air in Norwich when he learned about the county's aspirations around the development of Advanced Air Mobility small, sustainable and highly efficient air vehicles for short and medium-range travel which can offer on-demand services and take-off and land in smaller, decentralised zones.

The vision is for Norfolk and Suffolk to lead the way in its development and become the UK's first Aviation Development Zone.

The Ambassador also visited institutes at Norwich Research Park to meet with scientists at the leading edge of research into the role of the gut microbiome in pregnancy, decreasing the risk of urinary tract infections in Type 2 Diabetes patients, and heart disease and bioactive compounds.

Mr Huijts was also told about research being carried out by the University of East Anglia into how AI can be used to evaluate whether EU regulations actually support its citizens and the potential threats posed by technological developments in non-democratic states. AI4POL will bring together researchers from the fields of technology development, ethics, law, economics and political sciences, and partners include Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

Andrew Wood, Hon Dutch Consul for East Anglia, spearheaded the official visit from 13-14 March with support from Norfolk County Council's Inward Investment Team. It began at Felixstowe Port in Suffolk and concluded at the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich where Mr Huijts spoke with Dutch artists from an exhibition entitled A World of Water.

The Netherlands is the biggest trading partner to Norfolk and Suffolk, and it is hoped the Ambassador's extensive visit will strengthen direct links to Dutch investment teams and encourage partnership working following devolution with a focus on the areas covered in the visit.

Mr Huijts said: "It was a great two-day visit to Suffolk and Norfolk. East Anglia and the Dutch have many historical connections and those ties resonate today. From the connection of Norwich Airport with Schiphol to shared expertise and collaboration in domains as agriculture and health.

"Next to the trade and historical ties cultural exchange also flourished over the years. Last week I attended the opening of the exhibition 'A World of Water' at the Sainsbury centre in Norwich, which shows the shared history and ongoing collaboration between the Dutch and East Anglia on water management, art and sustainability".

Alex Durand, CEO of Saxon Air said: "The East of England already supports aviation innovation, already taking a UK lead in development of electric aircraft, early availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and advanced development of commercial drone activity.

"As a net contributor to national GDP, and with a wide range of industry sector leaders, the potential for unlocking further growth through better connectivity based on emerging clean aviation innovation is a once in a generation opportunity.

"The region has the airspace, innovators and aviation expertise to enable this, making it ideally placed to advance the latest clean aviation technologies. The strategy we're announcing can give rural communities better connectivity, inclusively unlock new skills, and raise aspirations by showcasing innovation and opportunities."