Ibadan, 28 August 2024. – Spaceport Cornwall, alongside Cornwall Airport Newquay, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wholeship Ltd, which operates the National Drone Hub at Predannack, near Helston.
The proposed collaboration supports the spaceport’s ambitions to make Cornwall Europe’s leading Future Air and Space solution, enabling the joint and coordinated use of facilities and expertise across all three sites to create a unique future air and space offer in Cornwall, from testing through to operations.
Furthermore, the consortium aims to position the UK as a world-leading location for crewed and uncrewed technology, working with partners like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department for Transport (DfT) to influence future airspace regulation.
With access to over 5500 square kilometers of segregated airspace, the partnership will also provide the opportunity for UK flight trials of sub-scale air systems and test operating procedures at the National Drone Hub, enabling Spaceport Cornwall to gather evidence in support of future operational flights from Newquay.
Additionally, the MoU highlights several other potential areas for collaboration, including the ability of the spaceport to demonstrate Cornwall’s joint future air and space offer to prospective customers and clients and to investigate possible partnerships with the UK industry and the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
Speaking about the agreement, Spaceport Cornwall’s Head of Engagement, Ross Hulbert, said, “The collaboration between Spaceport Cornwall and Wholeship Ltd is an exciting opportunity that provides the facilities, skills, and operational functions needed for Cornwall to be the driving force in the future of flight in Europe.”
Likewise, Minister for Aviation and Space Mike Kane said: “In the spirit of innovation and collaboration, the strategic collaboration between Spaceport Cornwall and the National Drone Hub marks a significant leap forward for the future of aviation and space.”
