Briefing

How Europe can lead the next generation flights

June 11, 2026

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European companies are developing the next generation of disruptive aircraft. Zero-emission and hybrid-powered aircraft (ZEHA) can help bring aviation closer to decarbonised flying, while strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness and technological leadership. By using renewable electricity and green hydrogen produced in Europe, these aircraft can also reduce the sector’s exposure to fossil fuel imports and help secure the future of aviation manufacturing in the continent.

These aircraft will not reach the market by themselves. Past research and development (R&D) support has failed to bring to market disruptive technologies at the speed required to meet decarbonisation targets. New, innovative companies face challenges to scale up and get to market in the EU, while China and the US increase competition. Current aviation regulations were built around kerosene-powered aircraft. Weight-based charges penalise cleaner aircraft whose propulsion systems are heavier. Slot rules protect incumbent operations. Fuel mandates do not yet fully recognise renewable electricity. The result is a framework that still reflects the needs of conventional aircraft, even as new propulsion technologies move closer to market.

Getting ZEHA to market requires action across three connected areas: research and development (R&D), industrialisation and market creation. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the upcoming Aviation Strategy and several legislative reviews, including the Airport Fitness Check, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and the Air Services Regulation, will determine whether ZEHA can move from promising European projects to commercial aircraft operating on European routes.

Europe has the developers, the industrial base and, with the right legislative choices in the coming years, an opportunity to lead the next generation of commercial aviation.

Key recommendations

1

The right funding mechanisms, for the right technologies and the right companies. Ensure the next MFF delivers for ZEHA by ringfencing €1 billion of the Clean Aviation successor programme to develop electric and hydrogen technologies. Facilitate support for new entrants at both R&D level, and through industrialisation.
2

Leverage existing aviation legislation to create the right conditions for ZEHA.Strengthen the polluter pays principle to send a price signal and reinvest part of the revenues. Introduce mechanisms in ReFuelEU or EU ETS to help cover the early cost gaps of ZEHA. Use PSO routes as an early market for cleaner aircraft. Revise airport and air navigation charges to ensure infrastructure will be ready for the deployment of ZEHA, and that these new aircraft will not pay higher charges than polluting, traditional planes.
3

Tap into the potential of private jets as a premium market for ZEHA deployment.Introduce a progressive ban on private flights below 1000 km by 2030, unless operated by ZEHA. Create a taxation framework for private jets commensurate with their environmental impact, including the application of EU ETS and ReFuelEU, to ensure wealthy flyers contribute their fair share to greening the sector.