Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR has announced its selection by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation) to lead two initiatives to support low-emission regional aviation.

ATR will lead development projects aimed at demonstrating the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion, advanced propeller systems and electrified aircraft systems on regional aircraft.

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The plane maker says it plans to operate a  hybrid-electric regional aircraft using an ATR 72-600 test bed by 2030. This will be made possible through several projects, two of which will be led by ATR, with EU suport, and in collaboration with suppliers, including Safran and RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“We are honoured to lead this transformative effort with the support of Clean Aviation,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer at ATR. “This is more than a technological demonstration, it’s a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation. By flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, we aim to further demonstrate that sustainability and connectivity can go hand in hand. These projects build on our unmatched legacy of fuel efficiency and position ATR at the forefront of the next generation of aviation.”

These initiatives support Clean Aviation’s goal of achieving up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced carbon emissions for next-generation regional aircraft, targeting an entry into service by 2035. They align with the European Union’s climate ambitions, including the Fit for 55 package and the European Green Deal, and support the decarbonisation ambitions of the aviation industry.