EU launches Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation

26 / 06 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

The European Commission officially launches the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, calling on the members of the aviation community to join forces in preparing for the advent of zero emission aircraft.

The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation 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.

It will gather representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, standardization and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators.

They will jointly work to identify all barriers to the entry into commercial service of these aircraft, establish recommendations and a roadmap to address them, promote investment projects and create synergies and momentum amongst members. In particular, the members will look at issues such as the fuel and infrastructure requirements of hydrogen and electric aircraft at airports, standardization and certification, and the implications for operators (airlines) and air traffic management.

Over the next two decades, more than 44,000 new aircraft are expected to be placed on the market. The potential market volume for zero emission aircraft has been estimated at 26,000 by 2050, with a total value of €5 trillion.

The Alliance will eventually deliver on the commitment to align the sector with the EU’s climate ambition, goals and other related policies. The international dimension of the sector is also a major element, as tackling climate change is a global effort.

Executive Vice-President for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, said “With the advent of zero emission aircraft Europe is writing the next chapter in aviation. Climate-neutrality is the passport for growth, and the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation will help the European aeronautical industry to pave the way for a competitive and clean aviation.”

Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said “Europe’s aeronautics industry is the most innovative in the world. And its enthusiasm – from large manufacturers to equipment suppliers and small companies and start-ups – to lead the way to hydrogen and electric propulsion aircraft is really encouraging. 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 organisations to maintain a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.”

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel, said “I welcome the launch of the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, which is an important step to ensure that we can bring our European research and innovation activities on clean aviation to the market. The activities of the Alliance will deliver the framework conditions that will be needed for the successful future deployment of zero emission aircraft in Europe.”