The European research initiative Clean Aviation has launched its Third Call for Proposals, marking a significant opportunity for Hamburg’s aviation sector to contribute to the future of climate-neutral air travel. With a total research effort of €950 million, including €380 million in EU funding, this initiative seeks innovative projects that will accelerate the decarbonization of aviation.
A Strategic Focus on Next-Generation Aircraft
The Third Call focuses on integrating and demonstrating breakthrough technologies in key aircraft concept models outlined in Clean Aviation’s Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda (SRIA). The funding priorities include:
- Ultra-efficient Short-Medium Range (SMR) aircraft architectures: €205 million
- Ultra-efficient Regional (REG) aircraft architectures: €145 million
- Aircraft Concept Integration & Impact Assessment (ACI&I): €15 million
- Fast-Track Activities (FTAs): €15 million
With Hamburg’s strong position in aircraft manufacturing, engineering, and research, this call offers significant opportunities for local industry players, research institutions, and startups to shape the next generation of ultra-efficient aircraft.
Fast-Track Activities: A New Opportunity for SMEs & Startups
A key highlight of this call is the introduction of Fast-Track Activities (FTAs)—a new funding mechanism designed to simplify applications and accelerate funding decisions. This initiative particularly benefits startups, SMEs, universities, and research centers, enabling them to bring disruptive innovations into real-world applications faster.
Axel Krein, Executive Director of Clean Aviation, emphasizes the importance of this step:
"This Third Call for Proposals is another crucial step in redefining the future of aviation. We are looking for groundbreaking innovations that will help develop the next generation of ultra-efficient aircraft and bring us closer to climate-neutral aviation by 2050."
As one of Europe’s leading aviation hubs, Hamburg has the expertise and innovative strength to play a crucial role in this transformation. The call encourages participation from across the aviation value chain—including aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and research institutions.
More Information
For more information and details on applications, please visit the official Clean Aviation website.