STARLET · Strategies for technology infrastructures in aviation

Aviation is undergoing a profound transformation driven by urgent needs to decarbonise transport, strengthen resilience, and maintain global competitiveness. Worldwide, major players are heavily investing in next-generation aviation systems, including hydrogen, hybrid-electric concepts, sustainable fuels, AI-based optimisation or advanced lightweight materials. Europe holds a leading role, with a strong industrial base and excellent technology infrastructures (TIs). However, achieving future ambitions depends critically on the availability, accessibility, and sustainable use of TIs. Despite progress, Europe still faces fragmentation, duplication of efforts, and limited cross-border access. To secure leadership, Europe must not only develop the best technologies but also bring them rapidly to market. STARLET addresses these challenges by developing strategies for coordinated, sustainable, and future-ready aviation TIs. The project will identify needs, gaps, and overlaps; propose new governance and funding models; and create a consolidated, web-based database of TIs with enhanced accessibility and functionality. STARLET will build on experience from previous EU projects, apply lessons learned in data management and stakeholder engagement, and involve experts from industry, research, and regulatory bodies through workshops, surveys, and interviews. The outcomes will improve availability and services for future technologies across the EU, enabling faster validation and deployment, and will have a lasting impact beyond the project duration. The roadmap and recommendations will strengthen strategic planning at EU and national levels, support environmental and societal objectives, and reinforce Europe’s global competitiveness. By enabling more efficient, accessible, and sustainable use of TIs, STARLET will accelerate innovation, facilitate faster market entry for breakthrough solutions, and ensure that Europe remains a global leader in climate-neutral aviation.