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........

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