Aviation Cleantech Coalition Urges EU to Rewrite the Skies for Zero-Emission Flight

The Aviation Cleantech Coalition has called on the European Union to overhaul its aviation policies to accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission and hybrid-powered aircraft (ZEHA). Highlighting the potential of these innovative technologies to decarbonise air travel, the coalition emphasises their role in securing Europe’s leadership in sustainable aviation while enhancing energy independence through the use of renewable electricity and green hydrogen. To realise these benefits, the coalition urges the EU to embed a comprehensive support framework within its forthcoming Aviation Strategy, encompassing research, industrialisation, and market creation for disruptive aircraft technologies. Key recommendations focus on prioritising public funding for high-risk, high-reward propulsion innovations and novel aircraft designs over incremental improvements by established manufacturers. The coalition proposes that a dedicated portion of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) funds be reserved for new market entrants, alongside fostering partnerships between smaller innovators and larger industry players to facilitate technology scaling. Additionally, the European Competitiveness Fund should be leveraged to attract private investment for industrialising these technologies, while the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) must be adequately resourced to certify emerging propulsion systems efficiently and safely. Beyond financial support, the coalition advocates for legislative reforms to promote ZEHA uptake. These include amending airport slot regulations to prioritise zero-emission aircraft, ensuring equitable access to electric and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure under the Ground Handling Directive, and updating airport and air navigation charges to incorporate environmental criteria such as CO₂ emissions, nitrogen oxides, and noise pollution. The coalition also calls for clear national planning under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation to identify airports for electric and hydrogen infrastructure deployment, supported by an extension of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility. To maintain the competitiveness of European clean aircraft, the coalition suggests introducing mechanisms to offset higher initial operational costs, potentially through extensions of existing schemes like ReFuelEU or the EU Emission Trading System. They also recommend strengthening environmental requirements in Public Service Obligation tenders and implementing “green PSOs” tailored for ZEHA on suitable routes. A more robust application of the polluter pays principle is deemed essential to correct the current market distortion caused by the low price of fossil jet fuel, with revenues reinvested into aviation decarbonisation efforts. The coalition’s proposals represent a strategic push for the EU to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation and market uptake of zero-emission flight technologies. By adopting these measures, Europe could position itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation, ensuring long-term environmental benefits and industrial competitiveness. The call to action urges the European Commission and Member States to act decisively to secure a cleaner, more resilient future for European aviation.