Clean Aviation, the European Union-backed research and innovation programme for more sustainable aviation in the future, has announced its fourth call for proposals. This initial draft, first published on Dec. 9 2025, has led to new ideas and efforts in sustainable aviation.
Clean Aviation Calls For Proposals
This research and innovation agenda is seeking proposals for three specific projects, with formal proposals to be issued on Feb. 13 2026. Up to €329.5 million will be provided, with around €130 million for an ultra-efficient short-medium range aircraft, €101 million for a hydrogen-powered aircraft, and €40 million for an ultra-efficient regional.
This funding could also increase to an estimated €824 million with input from the private sector, necessary for smaller cost initiatives. For example, funding will also be available for fast-track areas covering technology, including low-power ice protection systems. EU Clean Aviation executive director, Axel Krein, has expressed that this initiative is to develop and demonstrate new technology up to the ground testing stage.
Sustainability Efforts in Aviation
A few ideas have already been proposed in aviation sustainability efforts. For example, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft could work as a baseline concept, one that could eventually be flight tested by the end of 2029.
Additionally, hydrogen-related projects are of keen interest, with €101 million provided to support the demonstration of an integrated hydrogen fuel system. Two hydrogen-powered aircraft concepts are already being considered.
Clean Aviation’s keen interest in hydrogen-related products stems from the slower-than-expected development of these ecosystems for aviation, with Airbus acknowledging this fact by shifting the ZeroE project to develop hydrogen airliners. Similarly, Clean Aviation now predicts that the service of hydrogen-powered concepts will shift from 2035 to 2040. Developments may be slow, but with this new funding, research and innovation proposals will soon change the stage for sustainable aviation.
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