This article is based on an official press release from the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking.

Clean Aviation Launches Coordinated “One Flight Path” Initiative for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft

On January 20, 2026, the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking announced a significant milestone in the development of sustainable regional aviation. Under the banner “Multiple disciplines, one flight path,” the organization officially launched the coordinated activities of four interconnected projects: PHARES, OSYRYS, HERACLES, and DEMETRA. These initiatives aim to integrate distinct technological domains, Propulsion, on-board systems, and aircraft architecture, into a unified roadmap for the next generation of regional aircraft.

According to the announcement, the primary objective of this coordinated effort is to develop an Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art technology. The roadmap targets a commercial Entry into Service (EIS) by 2035, with flight demonstrations scheduled for the end of the decade.

Integrating Four Pillars of Technology

The initiative marks a shift from isolated technology development to a fully integrated, aircraft-level demonstration phase. The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking describes this as a “first in Clean Aviation’s history,” ensuring that separate disciplines remain locked into a shared timeline and technical specification. The four projects cover the entire technology stack required for hybrid-electric flight.

PHARES: Hybrid Propulsion

Led by Pratt & Whitney Canada, the PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application for Regional Segment) project focuses on developing a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator. This marks the first time a Canadian company has led a Clean Aviation consortium. The project aims to integrate a derivative of the PW127XT turboprop engine with a Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motor and an optimized propeller gearbox. The consortium targets a standalone fuel burn reduction of up to 20% for the propulsion system.

“Hybrid-electric propulsion and electrified aircraft systems are key parts of RTX’s technology roadmap… PHARES represents a transformative opportunity to demonstrate the potential for regional aviation.”

Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada

OSYRYS: On-board Systems

The OSYRYS (On-board SYstems Relevant for hYbridization of Regional aircraftS) project, led by Safran Electrical & Power, addresses the “nervous system” of the aircraft. As hybrid-electric designs require massive amounts of electrical power, OSYRYS focuses on high-voltage power distribution, thermal management, and electrical network protection to ensure safe management throughout the airframe.

HERACLES and DEMETRA: Design and Demonstration

Manufacturers ATR leads the final two pillars, which focus on the aircraft itself. HERACLES (Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Concept for Low EmissionS) serves as the “digital” component, defining the conceptual design, architecture, and environmental impact assessments. It establishes the requirements that ensure propulsion and systems fit into a certifiable configuration.

DEMETRA (Demonstrator of an Electrified Modern Efficient Transport Regional Aircraft) represents the “physical” realization of these technologies. This project will integrate the innovations from PHARES and OSYRYS onto an ATR 72-600 flying testbed. Flight tests are currently targeted for the 2028–2029 timeframe to validate performance in real-world conditions.

Strategic Timeline and Goals

The coordinated launch reinforces the European Union’s commitment to maintaining leadership in the regional aviation market. The projects are part of a broader €945 million funding package (EU and industry contributions combined) announced in September 2025 under Clean Aviation’s Call 3.

The technical goals are aggressive, targeting a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions. In addition to hybrid-electric propulsion, the aircraft is designed to be 100% compatible with SAF. The timeline places the flight test window between 2028 and 2029, bridging the gap between laboratory validation and the 2035 target for commercial service.

“This is more than a technological demonstration; it’s a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation. By flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, we aim to further demonstrate that sustainability and connectivity can go hand in hand.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR

AirPro News Analysis

The structure of this initiative highlights a strategic deepening of transatlantic aerospace ties. The leadership of Pratt & Whitney Canada in the PHARES project allows European funding to leverage best-in-class engine technology from a Canadian consortium, a move that diversifies the technical base of the program. Furthermore, by backing ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, the EU appears focused on securing its dominance in the turboprop market against emerging competition from manufacturers in Brazil and China. The “one flight path” approach suggests a recognition that integrating hybrid systems into legacy airframes requires a level of cross-disciplinary synchronization that previous, isolated research projects often lacked.

Sources

• Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking