European aviation faces a convergence of unprecedented challenges: achieving deep decarbonisation in line with the European Green Deal, while simultaneously enhancing sustainability and competitiveness, securing Europe’s global leadership in the sector, and contributing to the prosperity of European societies. At the same time, it must reinforce European technological and industrial sovereignty in an increasingly competitive and geopolitically complex world. In this transformative era for European aviation, academic research continues to be one of the fundamental elements that drives innovation and progress in the sector.

The European Aerospace Science Network is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the EASN White Book on Aviation – 2026–2029 and Beyond. 

Building upon previous editions and extensive consultations across the European Aerospace Science Network, this updated edition addresses the rapidly evolving technological, environmental, and regulatory landscape. Positioned upstream of implementation roadmaps (like SRIAs), the White Book concentrates on low- to mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research—where fundamental breakthroughs happen.

What to Expect:

• Strategic, long-term vision: From the EASN perspective, representing Europe’s leading aerospace academic community, we stand for a holistic sustainability approach, that is should balance among potentially contradicting goals, such as emission reduction, performance and operational efficiency, environmental impact, economic viability, resilience, safety, certification readiness, dual use implications and social responsibility. 
• Disruptive Directions: Bold scientific priorities needed to achieve holistically sustainable flight, advanced digital capabilities, and enhanced safety.
• Roadmap for Innovation: Long-term perspectives aimed at guiding upcoming European research frameworks and policy agendas.

As the backbone of early-stage innovation, academia plays a critical role in shaping what aviation will look like decades from now. The EASN White Book provides a strategic blueprint to make that future possible.

Stay tuned, the full document will be officially published soon!