Two British companies are teaming up to create cutting-edge artificial intelligence that will allow aeroplanes to be flown without a human pilot by 2030. Isle of Wight-based Britten-Norman has announced it intends to have just one pilot in its planes by 2025, and no pilots at all by 2030. To achieve these lofty heights as the first pilotless commercial aircraft, it has teamed up with Blue Bear, a British autonomous flight specialist. Britten-Norman's Islander plane will be the focal point of the project and specialises in short-haul flights, currently operating between Scottish islands Isle of Wight-based Britten-Norman has announced it intends to have just one pilot in its planes by 2025, and no pilots at all by 2030. Britten-Norman's Islander plane will be the focal point of the project and specialises in short-haul flights, currently operating between Scottish islands.

Pilotless passenger planes are planned to fly by 2030, a company has sensationally promised. Manufacturer Britten-Norman is to roll out single-piloted aircraft in five years and hopes to go fully pilot-free within a decade. The Isle of Wight-based company said it will allow operators to offer "uncrewed and piloted" flights. Britain's only independent commercial aircraft manufacturer said its ultimate goal of optional full automation "should be realised within this decade". But pilotless planes will need regulator approval and will likely scare off passengers, the British Airline Pilots' Association said.