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EU Taxonomy for aviation: Identifying eligible aircraft technologies

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EU Taxonomy for aviation: Identifying eligible aircraft technologies
By Tim Boon
Dec 12, 2024
1 MIN. READ

The EU Taxonomy serves as a robust framework to define environmentally sustainable economic activities. For aviation, it sets stringent criteria under Regulation (EU) 2023/2485, offering guidance on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ eligibility of aircraft technologies based on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir environmental performance and emissions.

Key insights from ICF’s analysis

Eligibility criteria:

  • Aircraft with zero tailpipe emissions meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ criteria for making a "Substantial contribution."
  • Technologies with non-zero tailpipe emissions may qualify as “transitional” if Å·²©ÓéÀÖy satisfy detailed conditions designed to encourage lower emissions without significant environmental harm.

Environmental performance standards:

Aircraft must adhere to specific thresholds for CO2 emissions and comply with “do no significant harm” (DNSH) principles. Eligibility hinges on eiÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr self-declaration by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or achieving formal CO2 certification.

Methodology:

ICF's projections leveraged a combination of:

  • Manufacturer-supplied data.
  • Commercially available performance estimation tools.
  • Existing certification databases.

Findings:

ICF identifies 25 in-production and developmental aircraft models that are likely to meet EU Taxonomy requirements, subject to self-declaration or CO2 certification and alignment with DNSH criteria.

Why this matters

This analysis equips aviation stakeholders with essential insights into Å·²©ÓéÀÖ EU Taxonomy’s sustainability framework, helping Å·²©ÓéÀÖm assess Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental compliance and market viability of Å·²©ÓéÀÖir aircraft technologies. However, this analysis should not be interpreted as equivalent to official certification or self-declaration by OEMs.

For Å·²©ÓéÀÖ aviation industry, understanding Å·²©ÓéÀÖse evolving criteria is pivotal to advancing sustainability while navigating regulatory landscapes effectively.

The European Commission has published guidance in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ form of and EASA has also launched its Taxonomy webpage, with some detailed information on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ .

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Meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖ author
  1. Tim Boon, Senior Associate, Aviation