Tasks and objectives of the focus aerea Aviation
The transformation away from fossil fuels in aviation is inextricably linked to the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). These liquid fuels are almost identical to conventional kerosene and therefore meet technical and safety requirements. SAFs can already be blended and used in existing engines (for short, medium and long-haul flights) and tank infrastructures.
The long-term goal of the aviation innovation focus is to make so much SAF available for air traffic by 2050 that the fuel can be used in its pure form. The aim is also to reduce additionalnon-CO2-related climate impacts. The innovation focus is supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Competence Center for Climate and Noise Protection in Aviation (CENA) and the airline Condor.

Become part of the network with stakeholders from business, politics, administration, science and associations! Here you can register free of charge for the InnoFuels network distribution list for the aviation focus aerea.
To registerFields of activity
- Consideration of aviation-specific government regulations and laws, on blending quotas, sustainability criteria, carbon border adjustment. This topic area is closely linked to the innovation focus Market & Regulation.
- Consideration of rules and standards in the aviation industry, e.g. certificates in offset trading, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, science-based targets, utilisation criteria for infrastructure such as the Central European Pipeline System.
- Consideration of the technical implementation and market ramp-up of SAFs, e.g. ASTM/EASA approval, multi-blends and new fuels such as monocyclic alkanes or biologically produced fuels.
In October 2023, the European Union (EU) adopted the Regulation to ensure a level playing field for sustainable aviation, also known as ReFuelEU Aviation. The regulation aims to promote sustainable commercial aviation in the EU by setting binding blending quotas for SAFs. Read the factsheet from NOW GmbH, which coordinates funding programs for the German government in the area of climate-friendly mobility and energy, here.