This year, the evening is dedicated to the theme of Aviation Autonomy, reflecting the significant investments made by governmental, private, and academic institutions in the development of innovative vehicles and flying systems, such as highly automated and autonomous Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility vehicles, and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Many of those innovative types of aerial vehicles will operate in urban areas. As a result, the concept of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has been created to address the safety challenges of operating aerial vehicles in low-level, congested urban airspaces that contain a wide range of obstacles, are near other aircraft operations and in various weather conditions. UAM also addresses societal concerns about their use in urban environments, such as reducing their noise levels, making a case for environmentally sustainable operations and addressing public concerns about privacy and third-party liability.

To unlock the benefits of such aircraft, the UK’s legislative and regulatory framework needs to be sufficiently agile to facilitate innovation whilst robust enough to maintain the high safety standards that aviation enjoys. To that end, the Law Commission of England and Wales opened a consultation in February 2024 on aviation autonomy to assess whether the regulatory and legal framework is adequate for these novel flying technologies. The project reviews existing legislation to identify any legislative blocks, gaps or uncertainties. The Commission will also propose a series of law reforms to ensure the UK is ready to take advantage of oncoming advances in automation.

And what a better person to discuss these exciting developments than Professor Alison Young, the Public and Welsh Law Commissioner of the Law Commission of England & Wales, who oversees the Consultation process and is keen to hear from the participants of their views about the future of regulating novel flying technologies in the UK.

This will be followed by a drinks reception, during which attendees can discuss the lecture themes and network while enjoying drinks in the Argyll Room and on the terrace, which has stunning views overlooking Hyde Park.

The ticket price for this event is £60 + VAT.