The European Union’s Clean Aviation initiative has chosen turboprop airframer ATR, to spearhead two major projects aimed at flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by the end of the decade.
Both projects, HERACLES (Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Concept for Low EmissionS) and DEMETRA (Demonstrator of an Electrified Modern Efficient Transport Regional Aircraft), are part of Clean Aviation’s Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) initiative.
ATR will lead the efforts, with support from the EU and international industry and research organisations, including Safran and RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
HERACLES will focus on designing an ultra-efficient regional aircraft concept that incorporates hybrid-electric propulsion, high-performance batteries, and a thermal engine capable of running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The technologies developed through HERACLES will be tested on a modified ATR 72-600 flying testbed as part of the DEMETRA project.
“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.”
The initiatives are a key part of Clean Aviation’s strategy to achieve up to a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in carbon emissions for next-generation regional aircraft, with a target entry into service by 2035.
The projects also align with the European Union’s broader climate goals, including the Fit for 55 package and the European Green Deal.
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude: “This is more than a technological demonstration, it’s a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation.”
