Sustainable Aviation
EU Invests 945 Million Euros in Sustainable Aviation Projects
The EU Clean Aviation program funds 12 projects with €945 million to cut aviation emissions by 30% by 2035 using hybrid-electric and hydrogen tech.
The European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking has announced a transformative €945 million investment across 12 groundbreaking projects, marking a pivotal moment in the aviation industry’s transition toward climate neutrality. This substantial funding commitment, equivalent to $1.1 billion, represents the largest coordinated effort to date in developing disruptive aviation technologies that will fundamentally reshape how Commercial-Aircraft are powered and operated by 2035. The selection encompasses cutting-edge initiatives ranging from hybrid-electric regional aircraft to Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems, each designed to achieve the ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% compared to current state-of-the-art technology.
These projects will directly support the European Green Deal’s objectives while positioning European aerospace Manufacturers at the forefront of the global sustainable aviation revolution, with demonstrator aircraft expected to take flight by 2030 and commercial entry into service targeted for the mid-2030s.
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking represents the European Union’s most ambitious research and innovation program dedicated to transforming aviation toward a sustainable and climate-neutral future. Established as a European public-private partnership between the European Commission and the aeronautics industry, the program operates with a comprehensive budget of €4.1 billion, divided into €1.7 billion in EU funding and at least €2.4 billion in private funding. This substantial investment framework demonstrates the unprecedented scale of commitment required to address aviation’s environmental challenges while maintaining Europe’s competitive position in the global aerospace market.
Clean Aviation builds on the legacy of the Clean Sky programmes (2008–2024), representing an evolution focused on disruptive new aircraft technology to pave the way toward the EU’s ambition of climate neutrality by 2050. The program targets net greenhouse gas reductions of no less than 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art technology, with demonstrators and commercial readiness aiming for 2030 and 2035, respectively.
The program’s strategic framework aligns with the European Green Deal and European Climate Law, mandating a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Focused on the regional, short, and short-medium range segments, routes up to 4,000 kilometers, which account for about 55% of global aviation CO₂ emissions, the program maximizes environmental impact while targeting market segments where new technologies can be most effectively demonstrated and deployed.
“The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking’s approach recognizes that achieving climate-neutral aviation requires comprehensive solutions that extend beyond individual technologies to encompass entire aircraft systems and their integration within the broader air transport ecosystem.”
The €945 million funding announcement for 12 projects is the result of Clean Aviation’s third call for proposals, which closed in May 2024 and underwent an expert-led evaluation. This round includes €378 million in direct EU funding, complemented by substantial private sector contributions. The selection process ensured that funded projects met the highest standards for innovation potential, technical feasibility, and environmental impact.
The 12 selected projects span three critical technology areas: hybrid-electric regional aircraft, ultra-efficient short and medium-range aircraft architectures, and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. This diversity reflects the recognition that a portfolio of solutions, rather than a single technology, is needed to address aviation’s decarbonization challenge.
The competitive selection process fostered Partnerships between major aerospace companies, Startups, research institutions, and universities across Europe. These collaborations leverage diverse expertise, foster knowledge transfer, and amplify the impact of EU funding through private co-investment and in-kind contributions. Among the most significant projects, ATR leads two initiatives under the Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft thrust. The flagship HERACLES project defines an ultra-efficient regional aircraft concept integrating hybrid-electric propulsion, high-performance batteries, and thermal engines compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The project aims to fly a hybrid-electric ATR 72-600 testbed by 2030, a crucial demonstration of practical sustainable aviation technologies.
The DEMETRA demonstrator project complements HERACLES by developing a flight-test platform using an ATR 72-600. According to ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, these projects represent “a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation” and demonstrate how sustainability and connectivity can work together.
Honeywell leads the NEWBORN project, which focuses on developing an aerospace-qualified megawatt-class hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. This €44 million initiative involves 18 partners from 10 countries and targets a CS-23-category light aircraft by 2030 and regional aircraft by 2035. The project has already completed key design reviews, with ground tests of a 300kW fuel cell stack planned for 2025.
Rolls-Royce’s HEAVEN project develops hydrogen and hybrid-electric technologies for future civil aviation, targeting a 20% fuel burn reduction and significant nitrogen oxide emissions cuts. Leonardo, ONERA, and other partners are also advancing specialized enabling technologies, from optimized fuselages to advanced wing integration.
“The diversity of selected projects extends to specialized enabling technologies that support broader aircraft integration efforts, ensuring that European aerospace maintains its technological sovereignty.”
Clean Aviation’s strategy centers on three pillars: hybrid-electric regional aircraft, ultra-efficient short and medium-range aircraft, and disruptive hydrogen-powered technologies. The first pillar targets shorter-range, lower-capacity operations, where battery limitations are less constraining, offering the most immediate demonstration opportunities.
The second pillar focuses on ultra-efficient aircraft architectures for routes up to 4,000 kilometers, which represent the majority of passenger miles flown and emissions. Technologies here must be scalable and commercially viable for airlines.
The third pillar, hydrogen propulsion, offers the most transformative long-term solution, with the potential for zero-emission flight but requiring fundamental changes in aircraft design and infrastructure. Fast Track Areas, with €15 million in dedicated funding, support rapid advancement of impactful technologies and encourage participation from SMEs and research centers.
Integration and impact assessment receive dedicated funding to ensure that promising technologies are evaluated within realistic aircraft configurations. Regional aircraft architectures receive €145 million, while short and medium-range aircraft receive €205 million, reflecting both market size and technical challenge. “The program’s holistic approach prevents the development of isolated solutions that cannot be effectively integrated into practical aircraft designs.”
The €945 million investment is a strategic response to global competition, enabling European aerospace manufacturers to accelerate development and achieve technological readiness for commercial deployment by the mid-2030s. The funding strengthens the entire European aerospace supply chain, fostering collaboration and skills development across the ecosystem.
Market implications include the potential for European companies to establish dominant positions in sustainable aviation before international competitors. Demonstration aircraft and flight testing provide tangible proof of technology readiness, supporting airline and investor confidence.
The regional aircraft market is a key opportunity, with ATR’s hybrid-electric projects potentially establishing European dominance. Honeywell’s hydrogen fuel cell systems could enable European leadership in zero-emission propulsion, while broad collaboration ensures comprehensive solutions and competitive advantages.
SMEs benefit from Clean Aviation’s inclusive approach, gaining access to development resources and opportunities to contribute to major advances.
Clean Aviation’s implementation strategy aims for technology readiness by 2030 and commercial entry into service by 2035. The current project phase (2023–2024) focuses on advancing technologies to Technology Readiness Level 6, followed by demonstration in flying testbeds from 2026 onward.
ATR’s hybrid-electric regional aircraft is targeted for flight by 2030, while Honeywell’s fuel cell stack will undergo ground and complete powertrain testing by 2025–2026. These demonstrations validate performance and build confidence for commercial aircraft development.
The approach allows time for regulatory engagement and certification, aligning with airline fleet replacement cycles and ensuring technology transfer and scaling for commercial applications. Continued public and private investment will be critical for the transition from demonstration to market.
Clean Aviation’s €945 million Investments in 12 projects is a defining moment for European aerospace, establishing a foundation for climate-neutral aviation and industrial competitiveness. The program’s strategic pillars address the full spectrum of sustainable aviation challenges and create coordinated pathways for development and commercial deployment. As these projects progress from development through demonstration to commercial service, they will collectively reshape aviation’s environmental impact and ensure Europe’s continued leadership in one of its most strategically important industries.
What is Clean Aviation? What are the main goals of the €945 million funding? Who are the main participants in these projects? When will we see the first results of these initiatives? What is the significance of hydrogen in Clean Aviation?
Clean Aviation’s €945 Million Investment: Transforming European Aviation Through 12 Groundbreaking Sustainability Projects
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking: Foundation for Europe’s Sustainable Aviation Future
The €945 Million Third Call Results: Unprecedented Investment in Aviation Innovation
Key Selected Projects and Technologies: Revolutionary Approaches to Sustainable Flight
Strategic Focus Areas and Innovation Priorities: Targeting High-Impact Technology Development
Industry Impact and Market Implications: Transforming European Aerospace Competitiveness
Timeline and Implementation Strategy: Coordinated Path to Commercial Deployment
Conclusion: Charting Europe’s Path to Sustainable Aviation Leadership
FAQ
Clean Aviation is a European Union research and innovation program aiming to transform aviation towards sustainability and climate neutrality, with a €4.1 billion budget and a focus on disruptive aircraft technologies.
The main goals are to fund 12 innovative projects that will reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%, develop hybrid-electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, and achieve commercial readiness by the mid-2030s.
Major aerospace manufacturers (such as ATR, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce), research institutions, universities, and SMEs across Europe are collaborating on the selected projects.
Demonstrator aircraft are expected to fly by 2030, with commercial entry into service targeted for the mid-2030s.
Hydrogen propulsion is seen as a transformative solution for zero-emission flight, though it requires significant innovation in aircraft design and infrastructure.
Sources
Photo Credit: Clean Aviation