Le Bourget, 16 June 2025 - Europe must invest boldly in aviation research and innovation if it is to safeguard its sovereignty, competitiveness, and resilience. That is the central message of the Aviation Research & Innovation Strategy (ARIS), unveiled today at the Paris Air Show. It calls for a total investment of EUR 66 billion between 2028 and 2034, covering both research and innovation as well as the crucial step of bringing new technologies to market. Of this, EUR 22.5 billion is requested from the EU, with the remainder to be provided by Member States and the private sector. ARIS was officially handed over to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, during a high-level event at the Show, as discussions intensify around the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework – the long-term budget that will shape research and innovation investment beyond 2028.
The European aviation sector is a major socio-economic driver, supporting 15 million jobs and contributing EUR 1.1 trillion to the economy. Europe accounts for 58% global market share in new civil aircraft, 47% of the order book as of 2024, and 70% of global airspace is managed by European air traffic management (ATM) technologies. This technological edge is central to Europe’s strategic autonomy and global influence. Yet, this leadership is not guaranteed. To preserve its position, the EU must adopt a bold, forward-looking R&I strategy. Developed jointly by industry, research bodies, and academia and supported by the Clean Aviation and SESAR Joint Undertakings, ARIS makes the case for strategic investment to build the world’s most competitive, safe and sustainable aviation ecosystem, supporting Europe's security and sovereignty.
Call to action
A broad representation of European aviation stakeholders is calling on the Commission to reflect the strategy in future research, industrial, and investment frameworks for the 2028–2034 period to ensure Europe remains a global leader in aviation. The ARIS strategy estimates a total investment of EUR 66 billion is needed for this timeframe for R&I and market uptake, with one-third (EUR 22.5 billion) required from the EU and the remainder from Member States and the private sector. Without this investment, Europe risks falling behind in the face of fierce global competition and growing geopolitical, environmental, and technological pressures.
Three priorities for investment
To stay competitive and meet sustainability goals, ARIS identifies three areas for investment:
- next-generation aircraft technologies;
- efficient air traffic management; and
- cutting-edge enablers such as advanced manufacturing and maintenance, digitalisation including automation, and workforce upskilling.
All parts of the innovation pipeline must be supported, from early-stage research to commercial deployment.
Creating the right conditions
Maximising impact means aligning public and private investment and fostering cross-border, cross-stakeholder cooperation. Where relevant, civil-military dual-use potential should be explored, supported by effective regulation. A critical challenge is bridging the “valley of death” between innovation and market readiness. Supporting market uptake, industrialisation, and product development will help accelerate timelines and amplify the impact of new technologies.
“The aviation sector is vital to our economy and our daily lives. We warmly welcome this valuable input, which will contribute to the ongoing discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. We will continue working closely with all partners to ensure that European aviation remains a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness and a pillar of our strategic autonomy.”
- Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
The strategy was handed over to the European Commission by Sabine Klauke (Airbus) and Arndt Schoenemann (DFS), representing the aviation manufacturing and air traffic management industries on behalf of the broader stakeholder community.
"The proposed investment in R&I outlined in the ARIS strategy is crucial for developing the next generation of aircraft technologies. This will not only enhance our competitiveness but also contribute significantly to reducing our environmental footprint. Collaborative public-private efforts are essential to advance breakthrough technologies helping Europe lead the way towards climate-neutral aviation." - Sabine Klauke, Chief Technology Officer at Airbus
"ARIS highlights the urgent need to accelerate the deployment of innovative air traffic management solutions. By shortening the time from development to operational use, we can improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability – keeping European aviation competitive and resilient. - Arndt Schoenemann, Chairman and CEO of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, Germany’s air navigation service provider
Read the strategy: www.aviation-strategy.eu
