Europe is laying the ground to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the incorporation of hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft for the advent of zero CO2 emissions.
1. Alliance for Zero Aviation Emission
The European Commission is inviting members of the aviation community to join the recently launched Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation. The new network is expected to include representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, standardisation and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators. The kick-off general assembly will take place in autumn this year.
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.
Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner for a Digital Age
The introduction of hydrogen and battery-electric propulsion will entail major changes to the air transport system. These technologies will not only lead to a new generation of aircraft but also require major changes to airport infrastructures, airlines, air traffic management and energy networks.
📢We are pleased to announce that today we launched the Alliance for #ZeroEmission Aviation❗️#AZEA brings together public & private stakeholders to pave the way for greener aviation in Europe💡
— 🇪🇺 DG DEFIS #StrongerTogether (@defis_eu) June 24, 2022
📽️Watch the video to learn more👇 pic.twitter.com/I9yBnRtyfr
2. Barriers to commercial service
Prospective members 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, standardisation and certification, and the implications for operators (airlines) and air traffic management.
Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton describes Europe’s aeronautics industry as “the most innovative in the world” adding that there’s great enthusiasm within the sector to pursue technical developments for the use of hydrogen and electric propulsion. However, Breton noted, “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.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market
The European aeronautics industry together with other European players in the aviation sector made the commitment to ensure that air transport in Europe meets Europe’s 2050 climate objectives.
