Brussels, 05/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 5 February, the European Union launched its Clean Sky research project. This is aimed at developing new technology for aviation that respects European commitments on carbon dioxide. The Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) will have an envelope of €1.6bn for the next seven years. The project is supported equally by the European Commission and industry. The Commission hopes that the project will demonstrate that technological progress is needed if the EU wants to reach the binding objective of a reduction of at least 20% in CO2 emissions by 2020 (60-80% by 2050). It notes that the increase in air traffic could bring the EU economy an extra €200bn a year, 1.8% of GDP over the next 20 years. the European Commissioner for research, Janez Potocnik, indicated that this initiative, which unites public and private interests aims to have, “cleaner, greener and quieter aircraft”. Ake Svensson, the president of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) said that this project is of crucial importance to the industry. He explained that aviation was a catalyst for economic growth. He also said that this mode of transport contributed 2-3% of CO2 emissions produced by man. Svensson said that, “we recognise that this carbon footprint is not at all acceptable…Industry understands its role. We want to work together to find solutions. But real usable technologies must come of this initiative - ones that industry can use”. Marc Ventre, Deputy Director General at SAFRAN, announced the availability of a new generation of planes in 2015. The Clean Sky project currently brings together 86 organisations from 16 countries, 15 research centres and 17 universities. (B.C.)