“CLEAN SKY” PROGRAMME TAKES OFF

A new generation of more environmentally efficient civil aircraft moved a step with the formal launch in Brussels of the “Clean Sky” joint technology initiative, in which Rolls-Royce is an industrial partner. This is Europe’s largest-ever aerospace research programme.

The seven-year €1.6 billion joint technology initiative towards a sustainable air transport industry is funded 50:50 by the European Commission and the industrial partners. Its aim is to develop, validate and accelerate into service new technologies to improve the environmental performance of aviation.

There will be six integrated technology demonstrators (ITDs), and Rolls-Royce will lead some of the research projects within the Sustainable and Green Engine ITD programmes.

Clean Sky will encourage participation by SMEs, universities and research centres to create opportunities across the aerospace supply chain of EU member and associated states. Current membership stands at 86 organisations from 16 countries.

At the 5 February 2008 launch event in Brussels, European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik, ASD President Åke Svensson and Marc Ventre, Chairman of the Clean Sky Provisional Executive Committee (PEC) all stressed the importance of Clean Sky in terms of meeting the EC’s environmental commitments.

Commissioner Janez Potocnik said: "The challenges that stand before us today, such as boosting international competitiveness and tackling climate change, are common to all European countries, and research is a major part of the answer. We stand a better chance of making a difference if we work together. This is the underlying logic of Clean Sky and I am delighted that it is now under way and ready to start its work."