Policy and research outlook
The Seventh Framework Programmer for Research and Innovation started the development of new technologies for air transport and their readiness for integration by validating and demonstrating their operability. A strong focus was placed on greening air transport to increase the sector’s sustainability. Research was also conducted on safe and seamless mobility including safety and security. EU-funded research in combination with EU policy has reduced the environmental impacts of air transport significantly. Technological improvements and the optimisation of processes have reduced emissions from engines and aircraft, increased fuel efficiency, demonstrated practical use of alternative fuels and optimised air transport operations, aircraft maintenance and production. The new Framework Programme, Horizon 2020,
will bring together research and innovation on a multidisciplinary and international basis and will focus on reducing time to market. Horizon 2020 starts from the achievements under FP7 and complements research on technology, maintenance,
operations and organisation that has resulted in products, processes and innovations for market entry. Air transport research will continue to play a vital role in achieving the ambitious targets. Research will develop solutions to reduce the sector’s oil dependency by improving engine technologies and developing innovative aero-structures (fuel efficiency) as well as by pioneering breakthrough technologies in aircraft design, propulsion systems, air transport management and new cost efficient alternative sustainable fuels.