The event also featured the official publication of the AZEA Roadmap, in the presence of European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, and EUROCONTROL Director General Raúl Medina, marking a major milestone in Europe’s journey toward sustainable air transport.
The newly unveiled Roadmap sets out an ambitious and comprehensive plan to deploy electric and hydrogen-powered aviation across Europe by 2050 and beyond. Designed for the entire aviation ecosystem - including industry leaders, public authorities and financial institutions - the strategy provides a clear pathway to scale zero-emission flight technologies. It identifies key enablers, defines required actions and assigns responsibilities across stakeholders to accelerate implementation.
Hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies are expected to play a central role in transforming aviation into a climate-friendly mode of transport. While flight efficiency improvements and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will remain critical in reducing CO₂ emissions in the short to medium term, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a breakthrough opportunity to eliminate CO₂ emissions entirely while significantly reducing non-CO₂ environmental impacts.
In his opening remarks, EUROCONTROL’s Director General Raúl Medina highlighted the urgency and importance of this transition:
"At EUROCONTROL, we see aviation transformation as key to achieving Europe’s sustainability goals. Alongside operational improvements and sustainable fuels, new propulsion technologies and zero-emission aircraft will shape the future. The AZEA Roadmap is a crucial milestone guiding this transition."
He further emphasised EUROCONTROL’s commitment through its Trajectory 2030 strategy, aimed at supporting next-generation aviation technologies and fostering stronger collaboration across the sector.
“Let us move from ambition to implementation, from dialogue to action, and reaffirm our shared commitment to a resilient, sustainable and future-ready aviation ecosystem,” he added.
