Sebastian Placzek, Project Officer – Civil Aeronautics at DG DEFIS, shares his views on the evolving demands on regional aviation and the factors shaping the industry.
The landscape of regional aviation is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to decarbonise air transport. The sector must balance economic viability with ambitious environmental goals, ensuring that regional connectivity is not only maintained but also improved with cleaner, more efficient aircraft.
Within the European Commission, the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is responsible for the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence (ASD) industrial ecosystem. Placzek, Project Officer – Civil Aeronautics at DG DEFIS, understands the challenges the aviation industry faces, and recognises its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
“One of the main factors that will shape airline fleet decisions over the next decade is the need to decarbonise air transport,” acknowledges Placzek. “In line with the EU Green Deal, the entire European aviation industry (encompassing airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and civil aeronautics industry) is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 in all market segments, including regional aviation. This is shown by Destination 2050.”
Adoption of new technologies
While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will contribute to emission reductions, regional aviation is set to be a pioneer in adopting zero-emission aircraft. With innovations expected to enter the market before 2040, airlines will soon look to replace existing fleets with more efficient and sustainable models, including electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Placzek notes that a wide range of industry players – from start-ups to major OEMs – are already developing electric and hydrogen-powered commuter and regional aircraft for up to 80 passengers, with some expected to enter the market before 2040. “The shift of air transport towards decarbonised propulsion technologies will offer new business opportunities to regional operators and airports, including the possibility to develop climate neutral inter-city and regional connections,” he explains.
“The shift of air transport towards decarbonised propulsion technologies will offer new business opportunities to regional operators and airports, including the possibility to develop climate neutral inter-city and regional connections.”
However, transitioning to electric and hydrogen flights requires significant infrastructure and regulatory changes. Placzek points to the crucial role of collaboration among stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem, from aircraft manufacturers to energy producers and regulators, to ensure the seamless deployment of these next-generation aircraft.
“In June 2022, the European Commission established the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA) that brings together a more than 190 stakeholders representing the entire aviation ecosystem,” he says. The alliance aims to prepare the market for the entry of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft into Europe, setting ambitious objectives for their deployment. Placzek is directly involved in this initiative, underscoring the need for a co-ordinated effort across the sector to meet these goals. “Last year the Alliance issued a vision on how electric and hydrogen flights could be deployed in Europe, setting ambitious objectives. This year it should deliver a strategic plan to implement that vision.”
The road ahead for regional aviation
As the regional aviation sector prepares for these ground-breaking changes, airlines and operators must assess the potential of these novel aircraft, not only in terms of sustainability but also in operational and economic viability.
“Over the next decade, regional aircraft fleets will see the introduction of novel aircraft powered by electricity and hydrogen. Operators will have to assess their impact and the potential they bring,” states Placzek.
Therefore, the decade ahead will be a crucial period of transition, where collaboration and innovation will determine the successful integration of electric and hydrogen-powered regional aircraft into Europe’s aviation landscape. “They will also have to collaborate more closely with all other stakeholders in order to ensure the effective entry into service of electric and hydrogen flights,” he concludes.
With regulatory support, innovation and a clear roadmap, regional aviation is poised to lead the transition to a more sustainable and efficient future.