Clean Aviation

Clean Aviation
Name	Clean Aviation
Established	2021
Type	Research and innovation programme
Jurisdiction	European Union
Parent	Horizon Europe
Headquarters	Brussels

Clean Aviation

Clean Aviation is a European research and innovation programme focused on reducing emissions and noise from aircraft and aerospace operations through advanced technologies, alternative energy carriers, and systems integration. The programme funds collaborative projects among European Commission, Airbus, Safran, Rolls-Royce Holdings, and consortia of universities and research organizations to deliver demonstrators, standards, and industrial pathways. Its work intersects with Horizon Europe, SESAR, Clean Sky 2, and other initiatives shaping aviation decarbonization across ICAO, EASA, and national actors.

Overview

Clean Aviation builds on predecessors such as Clean Sky and links to European Green Deal targets, aiming to support Fit for 55 and Net Zero commitments through technology maturation, validation, and certification readiness. The programme promotes public–private partnerships among original equipment manufacturers like Airbus SE, Boeing, ATR (company), and supply-chain firms including MTU Aero Engines, Safran and GE Aviation. It coordinates with regulatory bodies such as European Union Aviation Safety Agency and international bodies like International Civil Aviation Organization to align roadmaps, timelines, and standards. Funding mechanisms reference instruments under Horizon Europe and investment channels involving the European Investment Bank and national research agencies like CNRS, DLR, and CIRA.

Technologies and Innovations

Research areas include advanced aerodynamics, novel materials, hybrid-electric propulsion, and digital engineering for systems-of-systems integration. Projects explore laminar flow technologies tested in partnership with Airbus SE and computational fluid dynamics validated against wind tunnel campaigns at ONERA and NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre). Structural innovations leverage composites and thermoplastics developed at IMDEA Materials Institute and tested by Fraunhofer Society facilities, with life-cycle assessment inputs from Austrian Institute of Technology. Propulsion research spans electric motor designs by Rolls-Royce Holdings and Siemens-derived companies, turbine thermodynamics advanced by Pratt & Whitney, and power electronics advanced by Infineon Technologies. Digital innovations use model-based systems engineering practices from ESA programmes and digital twins from EASA pilot projects, integrating cybersecurity measures influenced by ENISA standards.

Alternative Fuels and Energy Carriers

The programme emphasizes Sustainable Aviation Fuel pathways, hydrogen propulsion concepts, and battery energy density improvements. Sustainable Aviation Fuel efforts draw on feedstock and conversion technologies developed at Neste, TotalEnergies, and biofuel research at INRAE and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Hydrogen studies involve cryogenic storage and fuel-cell integration informed by demonstrations from Airbus SE and Rolls-Royce Holdings, with distribution logistics coordinated with Hydrogen Europe and ports like Port of Rotterdam. Battery and electric systems leverage advances from CEA, Fraunhofer IKTS, and industrial partners such as Saft and LG Chem. Life-cycle carbon accounting employs methodologies aligned with IPCC guidelines and standards influenced by ISO committees.

Policy, Regulation, and Market Incentives

Clean Aviation interacts with policy instruments including European Green Deal, Emissions Trading System, and national recovery plans tied to NextGenerationEU. It informs regulatory frameworks at European Union Aviation Safety Agency and contributes evidence to International Civil Aviation Organization policy dialogues on carbon offsetting and reduction schemes. Market incentives considered include blended finance models promoted by the European Investment Bank and innovation procurement channels used by agencies like ADEME and UK Research and Innovation. Engagements include stakeholder consultations with industry associations such as A4E (Airlines for Europe), IATA, and trade unions represented in ETF (European Transport Workers' Federation). Standardization pathways reference CEN and CENELEC committees to facilitate certification and cross-border operations.

Environmental and Health Impacts

Assessments quantify reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and NOx through adoption of SAFs, hydrogen, and improved engine cycles; modeling efforts rely on scenarios from IPCC and emission inventories coordinated with European Environment Agency. Studies examine contrail mitigation strategies informed by research at Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt and climate impacts evaluated by Met Office and ECMWF. Public health analyses reference particulate exposure research from World Health Organization and urban noise impacts measured against WHO guidelines and EU noise directives. Environmental impact assessment work draws expertise from JRC (Joint Research Centre) and national agencies such as Environment Agency (England).

Industry Adoption and Programs

Implementation pathways involve flagship demonstrators, collaborative research projects, and supply-chain maturation led by consortia including Airbus SE, Safran, Rolls-Royce Holdings, Leonardo S.p.A., and regional clusters such as Aerospace Valley and Made in Europe. Pilot and certification campaigns engage test centres like EASA-recognized facilities and flight-test ranges operated by DAHER partners and national testbeds such as CIRA and NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre). Workforce and skills development aligns with initiatives by EASA, European Skills Agenda, and academic programs at Imperial College London, TU Delft, Politecnico di Milano, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Technische Universität München. Market uptake is tracked through indices produced by Air Transport Action Group and investment analyses from BloombergNEF.

Category:Aviation