LONDON – The Commission has officially launched the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation – calling on the aviation community to prepare for the advent of zero emission aircraft.

The “Zero Emission” Commission

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 intends to gather representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, standardisation and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators.

As a joint force these stakeholders will work together to identify impediments to new aircraft entry to service, and establish a roadmap to address these concerns.

The Commission will also work to promote investment projects and assist to build synergies between the stakeholders.

Members will also investigate key related 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 control and management.

The developing hydrogen and electric market

It is projected that over the next two decades, more than 44,000 new technology aircraft will enter 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 international dimension of this sector is also a major element, as tackling climate change is a global effort.

Member statements

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.”

Joining the Alliance

Aviation stakeholders are encouraged to join the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation initiative.

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.

The Commission’s webpage may be accessed here Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA) webpage

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