What changed

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

P9_TA(2024)0014

on electricElectric aviation – a solution for shortshort- and mid-range flights

(2023/2060(INI))

Committee on Transport and Tourism

– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Article 90 thereof,

PE751.901

– having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3(3) thereof,

European Parliament resolution of 16 January 2024 on electric aviation – a solution for short and mid-range flights (2023/2060(INI))

– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Article 90 thereof,

– having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 3(3) thereof,

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 16 March 2023 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (the Net Zero Industry Act) (COM(2023)0161),

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 July 2021 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (COM(2021)0559),

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 December 2021 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (COM(2021)0812), in particular Section 5 thereof on air transport infrastructure,

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 7 June 2018 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination (COM(2018)0435),

39. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Aviation accounts for a relatively small share of global emissions but is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. Your rapporteur argues that electric and hybrid aviation for short and mid-range flights could offer an entirely new pattern of air transport services, simultaneously creating such positive side effects as a viable urban and regional air mobility network and Europe’s continuous industrial leadership throughout the transition to climate neutrality.

Although currently a significant part of decarbonisation effort in the field of aviation focuses on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that require few, if any, alterations to aircraft or airport infrastructure, a segment of the industry is already working on advanced concept of battery-electric and hybrid aircraft – the enabler of electric aviation.

From a purely technical standpoint, all-electric configuration eliminates CO2 emissions along with greenhouse gas and water vapour, making it the most sustainable form of technology capable of zero emissions during flight operations. Today, all-electric aircraft are successfully used in providing a more environmentally friendly education to prospective pilots.

While various technological and regulatory complexities put a limit on the flying range of battery-electric aircraft, predominantly using them for short and medium-haul operations, this type of aircraft could become an optimal solution for urban and regional air mobility. This is especially relevant considering the recent historical ban on short-haul domestic flights, which can be covered by train, in one of the EU Member States.

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft highlight the promise and progress of electric and hybrid aircraft in the context of urban environment. Ability to bypass congested urban nodes, connect smaller and large airport hubs and, simultaneously, reduce congestion and vehicle parking requirements at large airports are only some of the advantages they present. Importantly, to support this innovative technology, EASA has prepared the guidance on vertiports, including the design of the ground infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of urban air mobility services.

When it comes to regional air mobility, electric aircraft offers cleaner, faster, and more convenient means of transportation, particularly, between remote and geographically isolated areas. Your rapporteur draws attention to the experience of the Nordic countries that share many accessibility challenges related to their remote regions, where large bodies of water, vast forest areas, long coastal lines, mountain ranges and fjords restrict mobility. Geographical barriers also mean limited access to public services, jobs as well as the larger national and international transport system. Bearing in mind the lack of roads or limited public transport, it becomes evident that some of these places are more accessible by air than by land. Particularly in this context, more flights within ‘point-to-point’ network operated by smaller electric planes could be offered, representing a completely new way of seeing local public transportation.

In the same vein, flying electric could open up new opportunities to spur economic development by repurposing regional airports and servicing previously abandoned or currently underserved areas. To support this ambition, a long-term EU strategic plan should be considered to address the challenges and opportunities that regional airports face in relation to the emerging electric aviation, focusing on their role in ensuring cohesion among EU regions and supporting them as one of the pillars of the EU’s growth and jobs strategy as well as drivers of innovation.

The future of electric aviation will largely depend on the future of battery technology. Although the EU is seeing rapid development in this field, the current situation cannot ensure sufficient maturity to cover the same distances as jet fuel-driven aircraft. Electric aircraft operations set stringent requirements on batteries, which have to provide the high power required for the take-off and climb segments. Furthermore, they need to be housed inside the airplane with sufficient cooling measures to prevent thermal runaway and, ultimately, failure. As a strategic part of Europe’s clean and digital transition, this key enabling technology should remain one of the focal points of the EU research, development and innovation activity.

In this sense, your rapporteur applauds various cross-industry research and development partnerships, as technological trends within different transport sectors tend to move in the same direction. For instance, development of the next generation of batteries could and do benefit from collaborations of air and automotive industry. On top of that, a significant work in transforming aviation towards a sustainable future is undertaken by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU). Co-funded by the European aeronautical industrial stakeholders, this largest impact-orientated public-private partnership under the Horizon Europe programme is a key player in driving aviation research and innovation. Regrettably, although aeronautics is one of the most successful EU’s high-tech sectors, an important enabler of economic activity and a driver of competitiveness, the work of CAJU is not enjoying the level of funding necessary to match the scale of its ambition. Therefore, a European strategy for a coordinated approach to the development, certification, and deployment of the new generation of aircraft should be considered to raise awareness of its benefits among the European citizens, and to boost private and public investment while maintaining the technological base and leadership in Europe.

Going sustainable implies a sweeping fleet renewal by 2050. Although this is a challenge in itself, it also represents a major market opportunity that could lead to new jobs and skills for the whole transportation sector in Europe.

While aircraft developers and manufacturers are envisioning a new future of electrification, airports should start shifting their focus to the issue of long-term power demand. To deliver electricity the aircraft will need, airports and airlines will need to ensure significant infrastructure investments. As roughly 90% of this investment will be used for off-airport infrastructure – primarily for power generation – the aviation sector should consider partnering with other industries to secure enough of green electricity and to support their infrastructure needs.

Finally, the advent of electric and hybrid aircraft means a brand new body of global rules and standards related, among other things, to certification methods, recharging, refilling, and maintenance. In this respect, your rapporteur welcomes the shared work of CAJU and EASA that comprises different projects aiming to de-risk the development and the demonstration of the new concepts and technologies as well as to define new certification methods and means of compliance for aircraft and systems designs.

Aviation is fundamental to the EU’s economy and to keeping people connected. After grappling with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis unleashed by the war in Ukraine, the aviation industry seems to be set on its rebound path. Its task today is to restore its normal operations while prioritising innovative technological solutions to ensure next generation flight operations with low environmental impacts. In this context, the future of short and mid-range electric travel promises a transformational market boasting a network of highly efficient regional transportation with positive environmental and logistical benefits.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, until the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Transportföretagen

Scandinavian Airlines

SAFRAN

Rolls-Royce

GKN Aerospace

SINTEF AS

Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking

Europe Air Sports

Trafikverket

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)

Heart Aerospace

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Date adopted

7.12.2023

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

27

0

12

Members present for the final vote

José Ramón Bauzá Díaz, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Karolin Braunsberger-Reinhold, Marco Campomenosi, Jakop G. Dalunde, Karima Delli, Mario Furore, Isabel García Muñoz, Jens Gieseke, Bogusław Liberadzki, Peter Lundgren, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Tilly Metz, Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar, Caroline Nagtegaal, Tomasz Piotr Poręba, Bergur Løkke Rasmussen, Dominique Riquet, Thomas Rudner, Vera Tax, Barbara Thaler, István Ujhelyi, Achille Variati, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Lucia Vuolo, Kosma Złotowski

Substitutes present for the final vote

Tom Berendsen, Sara Cerdas, Maria Grapini, Ondřej Kovařík, Ljudmila Novak, Dorien Rookmaker, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Kathleen Van Brempt

Substitutes under Rule 209(7) present for the final vote

Andreas Glück, Erik Marquardt, Andżelika Anna Możdżanowska, Wolfram Pirchner, Eugen Tomac

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

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