Feb. 17, 2026, marks the launch date of Clean Aviation’s four closely linked, five-year projects: HERACLES, DEMETRA, PHARES, and OSYRYS. Led by partners ATR, Pratt & Whitney, and Safran, the four projects’ objective is to achieve a hybrid-electric flight demonstration that will validate technologies contributing to the overall objective of a 30% CO₂ reduction. Its aim is also to shape the next generation of Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA).
Clean Aviation’s Role
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) is the European Union‘s leading public-private research programme. They are partnered with the aviation industry to develop disruptive technologies for sustainable, climate-neutral aviation by 2050.
CAJU selected ATR to lead two of the four flagship projects under its Call 3 programme. This is a strong recognition of their expertise in regional aviation and low-emission technologies.
The partnership is crucial for the Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) pillar of the Clean Aviation programme, which is supported by over 4 billion euros in public and private funding. The initiative ensures new technologies are compatible with airline operational realities, building on ATR’s position as the leading regional aircraft manufacturer.
ATR’s Role in the Initiative
ATR is leading the development of future low-emissions regional aircraft within the EU’s Clean Aviation Initiative, aiming to fly a hybrid-electric ATR 72-600 demonstrator by 2030.
Marta Sabin Miralles de Imperial, market strategy director at ATR, told Aerospace Global News during the Connect Aviation Conference in Lublin this week:
“ATR is delighted to have been selected to lead two programmes – HERACLES, targeted at creating a sustainable low-emission aircraft by 2035 and DEMETRA, the demonstrator of the programme.”
The project aims for a 30% reduction in emissions compared to current technologies, seeking entry into service by 2035.
The Projects
The four closely linked projects are:
- HERACLES – led by ATR, will define the Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft Concept.
- DEMETRA – led by ATR, will ensure flight demonstration and validation of the concept.
- PHARES – led by Pratt & Whitney Canada, will focus on the development of the hybrid-electric propulsion system.
- OSYRYS – led by Safran Electrical & Power, will develop electrical power generation and distribution solutions, thermal management solutions and Avionics solutions for energy management.
According to Safran, the PHARES, OSYRYS, HERACLES, and DEMETRA projects have now entered their implementation phase under the Clean Aviation programme. They also stated that bringing together all project teams and partners from the outset helped establish a common framework for cooperation across:
- Technology development
- Aircraft architecture definition
- Flight demonstration
- Certification activities
All of which will be key to achieving the programme’s ambitions.
What are your thoughts on these new projects? Let us know in the comments below!
