The online meeting, organized by the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA) with the support of the AREANA (Aviation Research Ecosystem Advanced Novel Approach) project, brought together 53 participants to discuss the financing and advisory support opportunities provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The session focused on the EIB’s role as the EU Climate Bank and its commitment to sustainability, aiming to allocate one trillion euros for climate action and environmental sustainability throughout the 2020s. In addition to climate-focused initiatives, the EIB also supports sectors such as security and defence.
The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the validation and approval process for projects eligible for EIB support. A key highlight was the availability of free advisory services for selected projects, designed to enhance project maturity and feasibility. The Project Development Assistance (PDA) was introduced as a valuable tool offering services such as financial modeling, market analysis, and independent reviews. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of both large and small-scale projects, helping them align with EIB funding criteria.
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to investment policies in the aviation sector. The EIB’s approach balances commercial interests with public objectives, guided by its Climate Bank Roadmap. While the bank does not invest in traditional fuels or conventional aircraft, it actively supports innovative technologies, including biofuels and disruptive aviation solutions. Investment instruments such as the EIC accelerator for early-stage startups and the venture debt program for growth-stage companies were presented as key mechanisms for supporting innovation in aviation.
Although the EIB currently does not invest directly in airlines, there is potential for future consideration of zero-emission airline projects. The criteria for financing were discussed in detail, emphasizing the importance of alignment with EU regulations, a solid business plan, and comprehensive feasibility studies. Participants were encouraged to reach out with questions regarding project eligibility and to explore the advisory services offered by the EIB.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where participants inquired about timelines for advisory support, the share of aviation in climate-related projects, and specific criteria used by the EIB to evaluate project maturity. The meeting underscored the EIB’s commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and provided valuable insights into the tools and resources available to project promoters across Europe.