An independent commercial aircraft manufacturer in Britain hopes to achieve optional full-automation within 10 years.
Manufacturer Britten-Norman is the country’s only independent commercial aircraft manufacturer and is based in the Isle of Wight. The company has teamed up with autonomous flight specialist Blue Bear to develop automation technology.
Britten-Norman said it hopes to roll out single-piloted aircraft in five years and have the optional capability of pilot-free flying within the next decade. The British Airline Pilots Association says the pilotless planes would need regulator approval and that passengers desired the “confidence of knowing that the controlling pilot is on board with them facing the same risks.“
A 2018 survey found that 63% of passengers were “unlikely to fly in a pilotless plane.”
The company is also developing zero-emissions technology to cut fuel costs and believes autonomous flights could keep regional airlines affordable.
