Mott MacDonald colleague joins FlyZero Team

Mott MacDonald is supporting the new FlyZero research project on zero-carbon emission aviation by becoming part of the team through a secondment opportunity. James Cole, head of aviation strategy and forecasting at Mott MacDonald, has joined the UK government backed project as strategy manager.

FlyZero is a one-of-a-kind research project aiming to revolutionise the future of commercial air travel by making zero-carbon emission commercial aviation possible by the end of the decade. Led by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and backed by the UK government the project is bringing together around 100 experts for an intensive 12-month collaboration programme. This team is taking a holistic and detailed look at how to realise zero-carbon emission flight from propulsion to policy, systems to supply chain and economics to environmental impact. FlyZero will shape the next generation of global aviation with the intention of gearing up the UK to stand at the forefront of sustainable flight in design, manufacture, technology and skills.

James has worked as head of aviation strategy and forecasting at Mott MacDonald for six years, where he has delivered advisory services for both buy-side and sell-side transactions for airports globally, as well as being responsible for the business innovation program. James also developed traffic forecasting capabilities through the development of the bespoke iMMpact Forecasting Suite, delivering robust forecasts with improved productivity. Prior to this James was director of coordination for Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) and head of operational planning for Heathrow Airport. James has a background as an aerospace engineer and worked on the development of regional aircraft for Bombardier and DeHavilland Canada.

James Cole said: “I am incredibly excited to be part of the FlyZero team, bringing together leading experts from across the UK aviation and aerospace sectors to turn the vision for zero-carbon emission aviation into a reality. This important work will change the future of aviation for the better.”

John Reavy, principal account leader of Mott MacDonald’s aviation team, said: “As the first company in our class to be certified carbon neutral, we continue to push the net-zero agenda forward. Aviation may be one of the hardest industries to decarbonise, but Mott MacDonald aims to support the challenge to improve society and transform the aviation sector to continue providing global socio-economic benefits and be carbon neutral. We are proud to support ATI’s FlyZero initiative with James’ participation alongside the best of UK industry and academia to address the net-zero challenge for the aviation sector and shape the future of flying.”

Steve Canadine, Mott MacDonald’s transportation general manager, said: “Mott MacDonald is at the heart of energy transition across multiple sectors. We are committed to being a leader in the development of sustainable transportation, including aviation, by being at the forefront of initiatives tackling the net-zero challenge. FlyZero is a flagship programme addressing the ambition to realise zero-carbon air travel. James’ strategic role on the programme will explore the market opportunity, applying his skills of econometric forecasting and aerospace engineering and leveraging Mott MacDonald’s hydrogen and biofuels expertise.”