The zone would see the region lead the way in developing futuristic flight technologies such as small electric aircraft and drones, using systems known as Advanced Air Mobility. 

These small, electric-powered 'air taxis' use vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) for on-demand services, flying passengers short distances to decentralised locations using remote pilots and 'self-driving' automated navigation.

And while flying taxis might sound like something out of The Jetsons, many believe that taking one could be as normal as flagging a cab within a decade - though perhaps a touch more expensive. 

An example of an electric air taxis belonging to Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation (Image: Joby Aviation) Norwich-based private charter airline Saxon Air, Norwich Airport and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils have joined forces to back the plans for the zone. 

The government has outlined its ambition for the UK to have "the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world," announcing £20m in funding.

This will go to help drones for the emergency services and flying taxis take to the skies from as soon as 2028, subject to cutting through regulatory red tape. 

Electric aircraft have already been trialled by Saxon Air in the East, with the firm also using sustainable aviation fuel produced through renewable feedstocks such as waste oils and agricultural residues.

The region is also a hive of commercial drone activity, with companies like HexCam, based at Felthorpe Airfield, offering a range aerial of services to the energy, construction and property sectors since 2011.

'ONCE IN A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY'

Saxon Air’s CEO, Alex Durand, said the prospect of East Anglia becoming the UK's Aviation Development Zone is a “once in a generation opportunity”.

Alex Durand, Saxon Air CEO (Image: SaxonAir)

“The east of England already supports aviation innovation by taking a UK lead in development of electric aircraft, early availability of sustainable aviation fuel and advanced development of commercial drone activity," said Mr Durand, chief executive of the Norwich Airport-based firm.

“The potential for unlocking further growth through better connectivity, based on emerging clean aviation innovation, is a once in a generation opportunity."

A Saxon Air helicopter receiving sustainable aviation fuel (Image: SaxonAir) He said the region has the "airspace, innovators and aviation expertise" to lead the way in advancing the latest clean, eco-friendly aviation technologies. 

"The strategy we’re announcing can give rural communities better connectivity, unlock new skills and raise aspirations by showcasing innovation and opportunities," he said.

NEW GOLDEN AGE OF AVIATION?

Saxon Air hoped to showcase the UK's first certified electric aircraft, Bungay-based firm NEBOair's Pipistrel Velis, last year. 

It planned to fly the two-seater aircraft - one of only 10 in the UK - from Norwich to Oxford, but was unable to do so due to its range limitations and the lack of recharging stops on the way. 

The electric Pipistrel Velis (Image: NEBOair) "We couldn't do the trip from Norwich to Oxford because of the range gaps in the airfields," Mr Durand said. 

The failed flight highlighted a critical issue - the current infrastructure for electric aviation is far from ready. 

However, Mr Durand still believes we are entering "a new golden age of aviation" centred around electric aircraft, and that this infrastructure will be improved. 

Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation's flying taxis can reach speeds of up to 200mph (Image: Joby Aviation) Virgin Atlantic and Joby Aviation recently announced they will offer short-range journeys across the UK via a flying taxi service. 

They will sell trips for up to four passengers at speeds of 200mph from hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

In the future, customers may be able to travel from Norwich as part of the London Hub network, but the timeline for the roll-out, as well as pricing, remains unclear.

The London Hub network map features Norwich (Image: Joby Aviation)DUTCH VISIT

The Aviation Development Zone plans were unveiled during a visit to East Anglia by the Dutch ambassador to the UK, Paul Huijts.  

The Netherlands is the biggest trading partner to Norfolk and Suffolk and it is hoped last month's visit could help unlock Dutch investment across the region.

Paul Huijts, the Dutch ambassador to the UK, being shown an aircraft by Saxon Air's director of operations, John Dewing (Image: Supplied) The ambassador's two-day visit began at Felixstowe Port in Suffolk and featured tours of Saxon Air at Norwich Airport and Norwich Research Park, before concluding at the city's Sainsbury Centre.

"East Anglia and the Dutch have many historical connections and those ties resonate today," said Mr Huijts.

“From the connection of Norwich Airport with Schiphol, to shared expertise and collaboration in domains such as agriculture and health.”

The Dutch ambassador visited Saxon Air at Norwich Airport (Image: Supplied)

LEADING THE WAY

Chris Starkie, director of growth and investment at Norfolk County Council, said: “Aviation has long been a transformative force, breaking down geographical barriers and connecting people and businesses.

"Aviation East represents a bold new vision for the region, leveraging the power to create faster, greener and more accessible connectivity solutions.

“At the heart of this initiative is the creation of the Innovation Hub at Norwich Airport - a central development zone dedicated to the advancement of sustainable aviation technologies.

"This will support new platform operators and ensure that the region becomes a leading force in the next generation of air travel.”

An example of an electric flying taxi (Image: Vertical Aerospace/PA Wire) SAXON AIR

SaxonAir was founded by entrepreneurs Christopher Mace and James Palmer in a small office in the back of a hangar at Norwich Airport in 2007.

It was overseen by chairman and associated co-founder Graeme Kalbraier, and Saxon Air’s early function was to operate Mr Kalbraier’s own aircraft for ad hoc private air charter.

The company was sold to Roger Klyne in 2009 to raise funds to build a dedicated Business Aviation Centre, with co-founder Mr Mace moving into a role as managing director and Mr Palmer becoming commercial manager.

The following year Saxon Air opened the £6m Klyne Business Aviation Centre at Norwich Airport, which serves as a base for its charter fleet - complete with offices, passenger lounges and hanger space.

Later that year Saxon Air become of the first UK private charter operators to fly the Hawker 400XP.

In 2013, the firm established its first offshore handling contract with Shell UK. It saw its flight support team quadruple from four to 16, and brought in 22 flights a day, seven days a week.

Today, Saxon Air operates a fleet from London and East Anglia, with Alex Durand in the role of chief executive officer.