European Commission launches the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation

During the ILA Berlin Air Show on June 24, 2022, European Commissioner, Thierry Breton announced the launch of the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation. 

The Alliance aims to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of hydrogen- and electric-powered aircraft, to ensure that air transport contributes to Europe’s 2050 climate-neutrality objective. Representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies, fuel providers, standardization and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators will join together to identify and examines the current challenges facing the entry-into-service of these aircraft.

In particular, the members of the Alliance will focus on issues such as the fuel and infrastructure requirements of hydrogen and electric aircraft at airports, standardization and certification, and the implications for airlines and air traffic management.

Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is contributing towards the achievement of climate neutrality in European aviation by 2050. The technologies that are currently being developed under Clean Aviation and its predecessor, Clean Sky 2, will enter into service by 2035. But this will only be part of the solution — synergies across Europe, from national and regional authorities as well as from the aviation industry, will also be needed to power the transition to carbon-neutral skies.

“Europe’s aeronautics industry is the most innovative in the world. And its enthusiasm — from large manufacturers to equipment suppliers and small companies and startups — to lead the way to hydrogen and electric propulsion aircraft is really encouraging,” Breton says. “But the entire aviation ecosystem, including fuel suppliers, airport operators and regulators, also needs to get ready. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation will help coordinate efforts by companies and organizations to maintain a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.”

Private and public entities from the aviation community who committed to supporting the entry-into-service of zero emission aircraft are invited to join the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation through the online form.