The EU Commission promotes the sustainable competitiveness of European aeronautics industries through several initiatives.
Over the recent years, particular focus has been placed on emerging sectors such as unmanned aircraft (also known as drones).​

The Commission intends also to support industry efforts to mitigate aviation's carbon footprint. Based on the Destination 2050 roadmap, the European aeronautics industry together with other European actors of the aviation sector has recently taken the strong commitment to ensure that air transport in Europe meets Europe 2050 climate’s objectives. This includes the development of zero-emission aircraft based on novel propulsion technologies. Such environmentally sustainable aircraft have huge market potential and may strongly contribute to industry’s future competitiveness in all market segments. In order to federate the efforts required to prepare the aviation market to these new configurations of aircraft the Commission is considering the launch of an Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation.


EU Aeronautics Industry Data


Facts and Figures Booklet: Published annually by the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe:

Competitiveness Study


​This 2009 study on the competitiveness of the EU Aeronautics Industry provides a comprehensive overview of the sector:

Data-based publications


​A summary analysis on the manufacturing of aerospace equipment is provided by Eurostat:
Eurostat, Statistics in Focus - Manufacture of aerospace equipment in the European Union - Issue number 7/2006

Market outlooks


​Published by several European and international aerospace companies:

Policy initiatives