Brussels, 26 September 2022
Today, the Commission releases the list of initial members of the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA), which includes companies of all sizes from across the air transport industrial ecosystem, including the aeronautics industry, airlines, aircraft lessors, airports, energy providers, business associations and civil society organisations. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management organisation, have also joined the Alliance. Launched by Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton in June 2022, the members of the AZEA commit to prepare for zero emission aviation through, for example, hydrogen and electric aircraft. The broad representation of actors from across the air transport ecosystem validates the Alliance’s core notion that the benefits of zero-emission aircraft can only be realised through a joint effort by all stakeholders. The Alliance aims to address several aspects linked to the fuel and infrastructure requirements of hydrogen and electric aircraft at airports, the sourcing of renewable fuels and electricity, standardisation and certification, practices for airline operators and air traffic management. With a total of 74 members having joined in this first wave from the EU and beyond, the Alliance has a strong basis to roll-out a plan for hydrogen and electric aircraft. As a next step, AZEA will hold its first General Assembly meeting on 14 November 2022 in Brussels The Alliance continues to be open for any interested stakeholder who wish to become a member. Interested parties can join by signing the Declaration of the Alliance and filling in the application form, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the terms of reference. More information on the Alliance’s website.
Source – EU Commission