The European Clean Aviation Partnership has announced its 4th Call for Proposals, with a total budget of €329.5 Million, to support disruptive projects aimed at decarbonising aviation and fostering EU industrial leadership. The call focuses on Ultra-efficient Short-Medium Range (SMR), Hydrogen-Powered (HPA), and Ultra-efficient Regional (REG) aircraft architectures, as well as Transverse activities (TRANSV) and Fast-track Areas (FTA). Notably, this call reintroduces hydrogen technologies and doubles the funding allocated to FTAs designed to de-risk alternative technical solutions.

📅 Call Timeline

• Draft Work Program Publication: 09 December 2025
• Pitch & Connect Event (Brussels): 13 February 2026
• Call Launch Date: 17 February 2026
• Info Day (Online): 18 February 2026

✅ Eligibility

• Strong involvement of Startups, SMEs, Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs), and Universities is encouraged.
• Entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries are eligible.

📌 For large-size topics (SMR, REG, HPA, TRANSV), a minimum of 15% of the funding must be allocated to SMEs, RTOs, and universities.

📂 Support Scope and Duration

• Project duration is defined per project.

Scope:

• Personnel Costs
• Travel Costs
• Equipment and Consumables
• Subcontracting
• Indirect Costs (Overhead)
• Special Support (TÜBİTAK): TÜBİTAK will provide specific Travel Support to a limited number of participants who will pitch their project ideas at the "Pitch and Connect" event on 13 February 2026.

💶 Funding Opportunities (Budget)

• Total EU Contribution: Up to €329.5 Million.

Budget Breakdown by Topic:

• Ultra-efficient Short-Medium Range Aircraft Architectures (SMR): €130 Million
• Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Architectures (HPA): €101 Million
• Ultra-efficient Regional Aircraft Architectures (REG): €40 Million
• Fast-track Areas (FTA): €40 Million
• Transverse activities (TRANSV): €18.5 Million

📌 Useful Links

• Call Website