CINEA highlights impact of EU aviation funding at Paris Air Show

With a presence at the joint European Commission stand coordinated by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, the event provided a platform to showcase the strength and breadth of CINEA-managed EU funding programmes supporting cleaner and greener aviation – from early research to large-scale deployment.

Since 2014, over €4 billion has been channelled into aviation projects through complementary EU programmes managed by CINEA, including Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, CEF Transport, LIFE, and the Innovation Fund. This strategic funding pipeline is helping to accelerate the sector’s green transition in line with the EU’s climate goals.

Insights from Aura Aero

One of the standout projects showcased with an outdoor demonstration at the event was HERMES, coordinated by the French start-up AURA AERO. Its success was highlighted by a visit from Wopke Hoekstra, the EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Net-Zero, and Clean Growth. With €95 million in support from the Innovation Fund, the project is developing ERA, a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft that combines cutting-edge technology with significantly lower emissions.

ERA is one of the very first 19-seaters to be designed from the ground up around a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The aircraft also features a fly-by-wire system for enhanced safety and a cabin tall enough for passengers to stand upright – a first in its class.

In the lead-up to the event, Jérémy Causade, CEO of AURA AERO (pictured below, middle), shared insights on the project’s progress and the vital role played by EU support through the Innovation Fund.

• What is so innovative about the ERA aircraft and why is this important?
  ERA is a game-changer for regional aviation. It is not only cleaner and more efficient but also represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Europe’s position in the global aviation market. The demand for aircraft in this category is expected to exceed 8,000 units worldwide over the next 20 years, offering a major opportunity for European industry, jobs, and leadership in sustainable technology.
• How has EU funding through the Innovation Fund been instrumental?
  The Innovation Fund provides the industrial-scale support needed to move from prototype to full commercial production – something few public funding instruments can offer. Beyond financing, EU support also boosts visibility, credibility, and investor confidence. It sends a clear message that Europe is serious about decarbonising aviation.

• When can we expect to see ERA in the skies?
  The aircraft is currently in its advanced design and engineering phase, with system testing underway. The first test flight is planned for 2027, with commercial rollout expected before 2030.

   

Broader innovation on display

Beyond HERMES, the Paris Air Show also highlighted a wide range of other EU-funded aviation R&I projects managed by CINEA, including: 

• OLGA (coordinated by Aéroports de Paris) – supporting greener airport operations, including SAF and hydrogen integration.
• ORCHESTRA (coordinated by University of Nottingham) – improving the efficiency and weight of electric propulsion systems.
• PULSAR (coordinated by ONERA) – developing tools for managing noise and climate impacts in aviation.
• DEMOQUAS (coordinated by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) – enhancing the safety and performance of future aircraft systems and includes other leading aviation parters such as SAFRAN, Rolls Royce and deep tech spin-out iCOMAT.

As Europe continues its push towards competitiveness and climate-neutral mobility, the Paris Air Show served as a reminder of how EU-backed research and innovation is enabling net-zero aviation. 

MORE

• Discover more about EU support for transforming aviation
• Hermes project factsheet