On electric aviation – a solution for short and mid-range flights

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

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 (TFEU), in particular Article 90 thereof,

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

– 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) 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),

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 11 June 2013 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the Single European Sky (COM(2013)0410),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) No 598/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the establishment of rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports within a Balanced Approach and repealing Directive 2002/30/EC,

– having regard to the European Green Deal, which aims to set the EU on the path to a green transition, with the ultimate goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’), transforming the European Green Deal goals into law,

– having regard to the adoption of the Fit for 55 package and the proposals included therein, notably the proposal to increase the production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), also known as the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, and the proposal to revise the EU’s emissions trading systems (ETS) as regards CO2 emissions from aviation,

– having regard to its resolution of 9 May 2023 on the new EU urban mobility framework,

– having regard to its resolution of 11 November 2015 on aviation,

– having regard to its resolution of 10 May 2012 on the future of regional airports and air services in the EU,

– having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism) A9-0000/2023),

A. whereas by 2019, emissions from international aviation had increased by 146 % compared to 1990; whereas this share is expected to grow as demand for air travel increases;

B. whereas 50-55 % of emissions could be reduced by shifting to SAF, 30-35 % by deploying new technology, 5-10 % by optimising aircraft operation and infrastructure, and 5 % by opting for new market-based measures;

C. whereas in order to deliver the required emission reductions by 2050, 75 % of the global civil fleet will have to be replaced from 2035 onwards;

D. whereas the case for truly clean aviation requires deeper collaborations across research, manufacturers, airlines, governments and other stakeholders; whereas a subset of the aviation industry is already active in developing advanced concepts of aircraft;

E. whereas small electric test aircraft of up to nine seats are already flying in various EU regions; whereas electric aircraft of up to 19 seats are planned for the late 2020s, and regional aircraft for the 2030s; whereas the first fleet of electric aircraft certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is already engaged in pilot training activities in a safe and environmentally friendly environment;

F. whereas the EU is witnessing rapid development in battery technology in terms of both production volumes and development expenditure;

G. whereas the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) is the EU’s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable future; whereas the CAJU and EASA are cooperating on shaping a horizontal standard certification regime for a new generation of aircraft;

H. whereas the success of highly complex research and development projects in the field of clean aviation directly depends on financial and political support, including that of the EU institutions and the Member States;

I. whereas electric and hybrid aviation could bolster urban and regional air mobility, offering a whole range of innovative public transport solutions;

J. whereas electric aviation will improve competitive travel times over shorter distances through faster transfer; whereas electric aircraft will carry fewer passengers in small airplanes, which means less time spent on boarding and ground handling;

K. whereas the aviation sector has had a sharp reminder of its vulnerability to pandemics and economic shocks;

Benefits of aircraft electrification

1. Observes the importance of regional airports in the Union for short and medium-range electric flight operations; highlights the potential of regional airports as innovation hubs throughout the whole supply chain, benefiting research and competition not only in the aviation sector but also in other transport sectors such as road, maritime and rail;

2. Is convinced that cleaner, faster and more convenient air transport options would increase connectivity and accessibility in smaller, more isolated and sparsely populated areas, including island regions, and particularly in terms of access to public services, the creation of job opportunities and more sustainable tourism;

3. Stresses that, when faced with geographical barriers, the time saved using electric flights as a new means of public transport that does not rely on existing roads or rail tracks can be considerable; refers to the experience of the Nordic countries, which combine geographies characterised by fjords, lakes and mountains, a low population density and a strong focus on sustainable energy; asks the Commission to explore this potential in close cooperation with the relevant regions and Member States;

4. Notes that the outermost regions will be difficult to connect to Europe’s mainland via electric aviation owing to their remoteness and the limited battery capacity of the aircraft; highlights, however, the potential of electric aviation in ensuring connectivity between the outermost regions, contributing to their development and partially alleviating the negative consequences for their economy resulting from their difficult topography;

5. Considers that the electrification of regional aviation could make previously abandoned routes economically viable, boosting regional development and attracting new regional investment;

6. Highlights that aircraft with electric engines cause close to zero operational and noise pollution, meaning that no local emissions are created that could adversely affect the health of citizens living close to airports;

7. Argues that the substantial needs related to the replacement of the civil fleet represent not only a challenge but also a major market opportunity that could lead to new jobs and skills for the whole transport sector in Europe;

8. Strongly believes that electric and hybrid aircraft could offer new possibilities for urban mobility; welcomes the work undertaken by EASA on vertiports and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft intended to be used as air taxis, as well as its work on the design of the necessary ground infrastructure for safe urban air mobility operations;

Investing for the future

9. Considers that while short and mid-range flights account for a fraction of emissions, every electrified route represents a reduction in aviation’s climate and environmental footprint and is a worthwhile investment; insists that pooling of the necessary investment must start now;

10. Insists that developing electric aviation for commercial use requires effective support at both national and EU level; stresses the very positive results achieved with the help of public procurement and considers it to be an effective tool for the electrification of the industry without disrupting the market;

11. Considers that EU companies active in the field of electrifying the aviation sector should work in closer cooperation with national and EU authorities to develop an integrated technical roadmap and joint research programmes; stresses that this is essential for the EU to maintain its industrial leadership and competitiveness on the international scene;

12. Notes that smaller electric aircraft can operate from existing shorter and simpler runways, which could reduce the need for large and expensive infrastructure in the future;

13. Stresses that, after shifting to alternative propulsion systems, existing large airports could consume 5-10 times more electricity by 2050 than they do today; stresses that, to meet the expected energy demand, the first elements of on-airport infrastructure must be in place by 2025, and calls for the necessary investment to be secured;

Technological challenges and solutions

14. Given that technological trends in various transport sectors are moving in the same direction, welcomes the existing cross-industry research and development partnerships between air and automotive industries (on the development of the next generation of batteries), air and shipping (on the use of alternative fuels) and air and railways (on electrical distribution systems);

15. Recalls that electric aircraft operations involve stringent requirements for batteries to be light, compact, quickly rechargeable and provide the high power required for the take-off and climb segments;

16. Stresses that continued improvements in battery technology, paired with more energyefficient aircraft designs, can enable better environmental performance; reiterates that some of the biggest technological challenges faced by the industry currently include electric distribution and thermal systems, airframe integration and improving aerodynamics;

Action in the framework of the EU

17. Recalls that the aeronautics industry is not only an important enabler of economic activity but also one of the most successful high-tech sectors in the EU; asks the Commission for proactive policies to support and develop the industry; calls on the Commission to ensure that the existing EU regulations in the field do not counteract each other or prevent the aeronautics industry from developing its decarbonisation and electrification projects;

18. Is concerned that the budget envisaged for the CAJU under the Horizon Europe programme is far below the scale of its ambition; recalls that the level of innovation associated with each project is very high and that the support must be commensurate;

19. Calls on the Commission to invest in research and development of next generation solid-state batteries that have twice as much energy as lithium-ion batteries and approximately three times higher storage potential;

20. Calls on the Commission to come up with a European strategy for a coordinated approach to the development, certification and deployment of the new generation of aircraft in order to raise awareness among European citizens of its benefits and to boost private and public investment, while maintaining the technological base and leadership in Europe;

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21. 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.