Technology & Innovation
Safran Leads OSYRYS Project for Next-Gen Hybrid Regional Aircraft
Safran heads OSYRYS consortium to develop onboard electrical systems for hybrid-electric regional aircraft targeting 2035 entry and CO2 reduction.
This article is based on an official press release from Safran Group.
The aviation industry has taken a significant step toward decarbonization with the official launch of OSYRYS, a major research project under the European Union’s Clean Aviation initiative. From January 20 to 22, 2026, consortium partners gathered for joint kick-off meetings to initiate a five-year collaboration aimed at developing the next generation of Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA).
Led by Safran Electrical & Power, the OSYRYS project (On-board SYstems Relevant for hYbridization of Regional aircraftS) brings together 24 partners to address one of the most critical challenges in modern aviation, managing the high-voltage electrical architecture required for hybrid-electric propulsion. The project is part of a broader coordinated effort involving three other consortia,HERACLES, DEMETRA, and PHARES,working in unison to mature technologies for an aircraft targeted to enter service by 2035.
As the aviation sector moves toward hybridization, the demand for onboard electrical power is set to increase dramatically. The OSYRYS consortium focuses specifically on the secondary power distribution and management systems necessary to support these new architectures. According to Safran Group, the project aims to mature technologies that will enable significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions.
The transition to hybrid-electric flight requires more than just new engines; it demands a complete rethink of how electricity is generated, distributed, and managed throughout the airframe. OSYRYS will develop and validate these “more-electric” systems, ensuring they can handle the higher loads and voltage requirements of future regional aircraft while maintaining strict safety and weight standards.
“From 20 to 22 January 2026, HERACLES, DEMETRA, PHARES, and OSYRYS consortia met for joint kick-off meetings, marking the official launch of a five-year collaboration to build the next generation of Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft within the Clean Aviation initiative.”
, Safran Group Press Release
OSYRYS does not operate in isolation. It is one of four interlinked projects selected under Clean Aviation’s third Call for Proposals, which collectively received €140 million in EU funding alongside more than €200 million in in-kind contributions from industry partners. Each project addresses a specific aspect of the UERA concept:
The overarching goal of this collaboration is to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 30% compared to state-of-the-art regional aircraft from 2020. By coordinating their efforts, the consortia aim to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6,demonstration in a relevant environment,by the end of the decade.
The launch of OSYRYS highlights a strategic consensus in the aerospace industry: regional aviation will likely be the first segment to adopt hybrid-electric propulsion at scale. While long-haul flights remain dependent on liquid fuels (SAF), the power requirements for regional aircraft are within the reach of current and near-future hybrid architectures. Safran’s leadership in OSYRYS reinforces its position as a critical systems integrator. By controlling the electrical “nervous system” of the aircraft, Safran is securing its role in a market where power management will be just as important as thrust generation. The coordination with ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada also suggests a move away from siloed R&D toward an ecosystem approach, which is essential for meeting the aggressive 2035 entry-into-service target.
What is the main goal of the OSYRYS project? When will the new aircraft enter service? Who are the key partners involved?
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Frequently Asked Questions
OSYRYS aims to develop and mature the onboard electrical systems required for hybrid-electric regional aircraft, focusing on power distribution and management.
The technologies developed under these projects are intended for a next-generation regional aircraft targeted for entry into service by 2035.
The initiative involves major industry players including Safran Electrical & Power, ATR, and Pratt & Whitney Canada, along with dozens of other partners across the four consortia.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran