Clean Sky Research Programme takes off at launch forum

A new generation of greener, more environmentally efficient aircraft has moved a step closer, with the official launch of the Clean Sky JTI research programme, in Brussels earlier this month.

The €1.6 billion Clean Sky Programme, an EU-wide collaborative private-public partnership involving SMEs, research centres, and leading aeronautics manufacturer, represents a joint commitment from the European Union and aeronautics industry to make air travel more sustainable, by encouraging the aeronautics manufacturers to develop and produce greener products.

The aim is to develop a series of breakthrough technologies to reduce the environmental impact of air transport, allowing aircraft noise to be cut by half and emissions of CO2 and NOx to be slashed by 50% and 80% respectively by 2020.

European Research Commissioner Janez PotoÄnik speaking at the 5 Feb launch said "The challenges that stand before us today, such as boosting international competitiveness and tackling climate change, are common to all European countries, and research is a major part of the answer. We stand a better chance to making a difference if we work together."

Current membership of the 'Clean Sky' initiative incorporates 54 industries, 15 research centres and 17 universities across 16 countries.

It will be financed equally by EU money under the 7th Research Framework Programme and industry funds, and will focus on six specific projects, including the design of greener engines, adapting wing technologies to make new aircraft more energy efficient and developing lighter materials.