€380 million for 8 new daring Clean Aviation projects to pave the way for highly efficient aircraft

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These daring projects in the field of new aircraft concepts and innovative propulsion architectures will complement those funded under Clean Aviation’s First Call for Proposals in preparing all the necessary elements for ground and flight test activities starting in 2026. They will also help reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases for commercial air travel by no less than 30% compared to the best aircraft models available today.

Rosalinde van der Vlies, Chair of the Governing Board, Director of Clean Planet, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, said: “Research and innovation play an essential role in powering the necessary transitions towards a greener Europe. The technological advancements made under the Clean Aviation programme, co-funded by the EU through Horizon Europe, will help bring the goal of reaching climate-neutral aviation by 2050 closer.”

Sabine Klauke, Co-chair of the Governing Board, Chief Technical Officer, Airbus, stated: “Pulling together the best talent and capabilities from the private and public sectors is key in the interest of bolstering European innovation. Collectively, we are driving the world towards cleaner skies and a more sustainable future.”

The 8 projects cover topics elaborated from the Clean Aviation Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) built around 3 thrusts:

• €86 million EU funding dedicated to hydrogen-powered aircraft;
• €33 million EU funding for hybrid-electric regional aircraft; 
• €33 million EU funding for short and medium range aircraft. 

Axel Krein, Executive Director of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, said: "These cutting-edge projects will help to pave the way towards an entry-into-service of new, highly efficient aircraft by 2035, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and breakthrough technical advances go hand in hand for a better future.”