Brussels, 30/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European aeronautical industry is calling for substantial investment in research and development (R&D) to implement the objectives set out in the White Paper on Transport (see EUROPE 10345). Needless to say, the aeronautical industry is delighted that the 2020 vision will be turned into reality, explained Domingo Urena-Raso, chair of ASD (Association of Aeronautical and Defence Industries in Europe), in a press release issued to coincide with the first of the AeroDays in Madrid (30 March to 1 April 2011).
In order to achieve this, he explained that the industry would need substantial, continuous investment in technology and the EU's new Framework Programme in R&D would be key here. The industry says it is crucial that political leaders back the inclusion of a special topic dedicated to aeronautics in the new FP; ensure stabile funding from existing FP indicatives like Clean Sky and simplify their implementation; and back the deployment of the SESAR air traffic control update programme in Europe.
At the AeroDays in Madrid, jointly organised by DG Research at the European Commission, the industry presented a “flightpath” for 2050 drawn up by a group of leading experts. The industry says that by 2050, European aviation will be able to ensure sustainable and suitable passenger and freight transport, along with jobs and also make a significant contribution to balanced trade and competitiveness in Europe while tackling climate change. A document explains that the technology and processes available in 2050 will allow a 75% reduction in CO2 and a 90% cut in nitrogen oxide emissions. In return for this, the industry is calling for its vision to be taken into account, for a joining up of technology and research programmes aiming at the same objectives, for innovative EU funding and faster launch of new productions. (A.By./trans.fl)