Why the EU supports research and innovation in air transport

Citizens and the environment are heavily affected by air travel. Aircraft emit CO2, nitrogen oxide, fine airborne particles and are noisy. But aviation is vitally important to the economy.

The aeronautics industry is characterised by long development cycles and high technological risks. This means that cooperation between all key private and public organisations is essential to strengthen and streamline research.

Ambitious targets for 2050 are set in Europe's vision for aviation. Research and innovation will play a pivotal role in achieving them.

Factsheet20 June 2022

Research and innovation for aviation

Altogether, EU R&I in aviation contributes to significantly reducing aircraft noise, greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption, thus improving safety, local air quality and minimising our dependency on imported fossil fuels.

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Funding opportunities

Horizon Europe

On this page you can find more information, the work programme and a link to the environment-related calls

COST actions

COST (European cooperation in science and technology) is a funding organisation for research and innovation networks

Connecting Europe Facility - transport

CEF Transport co-finances projects that enhance multimodality, improve infrastructure and advance innovation and new technologies.

Projects and results

TRIMIS projects database

Specialised collection of projects at European, national and international levels.

Research project database (CORDIS)

The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded air transport research projects.

Project success stories

Stories of particularly successful EU-funded air transport research projects.

Horizon Magazine

Latest news, interviews and features about thought-provoking science and innovative research projects funded by the EU.

Horizon Results Platform

Platform where framework programme participants present their results for you to search, contact their owners, and form partnerships.

Results pack on safer aviation

A thematic collection of innovative EU-funded research results

Projects for policy - aviation safety

Aviation safety policy recommendations based on evidence provided by EU research and innovation projects.

Collaboration and jobs

Find project partners

Find partners for open EU calls for proposal

Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking

Clean Sky 2 JU has more than 600 participating entities in 24 countries. It brings together SMEs, research centres universities and industry to develop cutting edge aeronautical technologies.

SESAR Joint Undertaking

SESAR JU brings together over 100 separate organisations to develop solutions that will fundamentally change air traffic management in Europe.

Advisory Council for Aviation Research and innovation in Europe (ACARE) European Technology Platform

ACARE ETP brings together stakeholders to set the strategic direction for Europe to remain a global aeronautics leader, whilst meeting societal and environmental needs.