European Aeronautical Industry commits to renewed Clean Sky JTI

The 16 leading European aeronautical companies and research organisations jointly preparing the ground for a continuation of the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) within the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme have formally handed over to the European Commission their Joint Technical Proposal and a common Declaration formalising their unequivocal commitment towards a Clean Sky 2 Programme.

In the Declaration the industry re-confirms its commitment towards this major effort aimed at creating a sustainable air transport system for the next decades and boosting EU competitiveness. The Joint Technical Proposal details the proposed work plan for Clean Sky 2, spanning 2014-2024, focused on research investments and major demonstration activities. Clean Sky 2 will introduce further integrated demonstrations and simulations of several aircraft systems at the aircraft platform level. Innovations from Clean Sky 2 will underpin advances in the next generation of aircraft by mastering the technologies and the risks in time to meet the next market window to replace the current fleet. This flagship European programme will be leveraged by further activities funded at national, regional and private levels.

Massimo Lucchesini, the Chairman of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking’s Governing Board, declared: “The Declaration and the Clean Sky 2 Joint Technical Proposal presented to the European Commission today once again re-confirm the European aeronautical sector’s total commitment to innovation and to tackling the challenges facing aviation in terms of environment, mobility and competitiveness,”
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “The Clean Sky initiative is contributing to the next generation of lighter, cleaner, greener aircraft. On 10th July the European Commission will present an innovation investment package of public-private partnerships for research, including the next phase of Clean Sky. This next step will strengthen European competitiveness in the aeronautics sector, and help drive breakthroughs that will improve our quality of life.”

Eric Dautriat, Executive Director of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking stated: “With the milestone achieved today in the preparation of Clean Sky 2, a flagship programme in the EU is well positioned to become a force in shaping innovation for aviation in the decades to come. The entire aeronautics supply chain will benefit: SMEs, research organisations, universities and industry. We look forward to the Commission’s proposed Regulation in the near future. We call on the Commission, European Parliament and Council to work together and support the plan presented today.”