The Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA) held its sixth General Assembly at EUROCONTROL Headquarters in Brussels, which is another important milestone in Europe’s transition towards sustainable air transport
Since its launch by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in 2022, AZEA has grown into a community of more than 200 members across the aviation value chain, including manufacturers, operators, airports, energy providers, fuel suppliers, and regulators.
Advancing Europe’s zero emission vision
Hosted by EUROCONTROL for the fourth time, the AZEA brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators committed to accelerating the deployment of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft in Europe.
The session opened with a keynote video message from Member of the European Parliament Daniel Attard, underlining the strategic importance of zero-emission aviation for Europe’s industrial competitiveness and sustainability goals.
The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation of the first draft of AZEA’s comprehensive Roadmap, a deliverable designed to guide the aviation ecosystem toward widespread adoption of zero-emission technologies.
Developed with support from Deloitte and aviation consultancy To70, the Roadmap outlines the practical steps to implement AZEA’s long-term vision, first unveiled in June 2024. The final version is expected to be adopted by the first quarter of 2026, setting the course for a coordinated and efficient rollout across the sector.
Collaborative progress across working groups
AZEA’s Working Groups used the occasion to show their progress and outline their priorities for 2026. These groups are addressing the many dimensions of zero-emission aviation, including infrastructure and regulation, certification, energy supply, and market readiness. Their ongoing work will extend beyond the delivery of the Roadmap, ensuring sustained collaboration and alignment across the European aviation ecosystem.
Policy and financing in focus
The European Commission provided updates on aviation policy developments and the evolving regulatory framework for zero-emission flight operations. Discussions also covered upcoming proposals under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), highlighting potential funding opportunities to support research, innovation, and adaptation of infrastructure.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) shared insights into its advisory and financial support mechanisms for cleantech and zero-emission aviation projects, signalling growing investor interest in the sector’s decarbonisation potential.
Innovation and test projects across Europe
The General Assembly also featured a series of external presentations showcasing cutting-edge projects and initiatives from across Europe. Contributions from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, ZeroAvia, the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA), Swedavia, and Italy’s ENEA highlighted the breadth of innovation already underway.
Some of the most notable developments included the establishment of Norway’s International Test Arena for Zero and Low-Emission Aviation and plans for hydrogen-powered test flight demonstrations across Europe.
Two EU-funded projects (Green Infrastructure at Swedavia Airports and ALRIGH2T) were also presented, both focusing on preparing airport infrastructure for the arrival of zero-emission aircraft.
The sixth General Assembly reaffirms AZEA’s role as a key platform driving Europe’s transition to climate-neutral aviation. By uniting industry, public authorities, and financial institutions under a shared strategy, the Alliance is helping Europe position itself as a global leader in sustainable flight technologies.
