On 9 September, the Governing Board of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking announced €945 million in total research investment for 12 new Clean Aviation Projects.
These initiatives, focusing on new aircraft concepts and innovative propulsion technologies, will complement those funded under Clean Aviation’s First and Second Calls for Proposals. The projects are set to commence at the beginning of 2026, with the first flight tests planned for 2028–2029. They are expected to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions in commercial aviation by at least 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art technologies, paving the way for cleaner aircraft by 2035.
The results of Call 3 also mark the start of a new collaboration in regional aviation between the EU and Canada. PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application for Regional Segment) has been selected to receive €69 million in EU funding. The project, coordinated by a Canadian aircraft engine manufacturer, will advance hybrid-electric propulsion for regional aircraft.
Ekaterina Zaharieva – European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation:
“Europe will not fly into the future with yesterday’s technologies. Together with trusted partners, like Canada, we set our course toward CO2 emission reductions by 30% – to stay competitive, secure sustainable growth, and keep our industry ahead of other world regions.”
Sabine Klauke – Co-chair of the Governing Board, Head of Digital Design Manufacturing and Services “Next Gen”, Airbus: “Achieving our climate goals and advancing sustainable aviation can only be done if public and private actors work hand in hand. By supporting the brightest minds, fostering technical excellence and encouraging novel solutions, we can accelerate the breakthroughs our industry needs. The projects selected under Clean Aviation Call 3 represent an important milestone on this journey.”
Overall, 12 projects will receive funding in the following areas:
- €199 million EU funding for Ultra-efficient Short-Medium Range aircraft technologies
- €144 million EU funding for Ultra-efficient Regional aircraft technologies
- €20 million EU funding for Fast Track Areas (FTAs)
- €15 million EU funding for transversal projects dedicated to Aircraft Concept Integration & Impact Assessment
Axel Krein – Executive Director of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking: “The results of Call 3 show the variety of innovative technological concepts to boost the entry-into-service of highly efficient aircraft by 2035. These projects have high potential to make major advancements towards climate neutrality and sustainability.”
Call 3 also introduced Fast Track Areas (FTAs) to accelerate disruptive technologies. These initiatives de-risk alternative solutions from Research Centres and SMEs, focusing on rapid advancement to the development phase. Four projects were selected under this new mechanism.
All selected projects align with the Clean Aviation Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).
The €945 million represents the total value of public and private contributions in the Clean Aviation Call 3 projects, including relevant complementary R&I projects and activities identified as in-kind contributions. Official project starts are subject to successful grant preparation, expected by the end of 2025.
About the Call for Proposals
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking’s third call for proposals launched in February 2025 and closed in May. The call was open to competition under Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme.
These ambitious projects represent the next chapter in Europe’s journey to climate-neutral aviation, building global leadership in sustainable flight technology.
