CLEEN Project Enters Its Third Phase

The FAA has awarded more than $100 million for companies to help develop technologies that reduce fuel use, emissions and noise. 

President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, fuel producers and more to position American aviation to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“Across the country, communities have been devastated by the effects of climate change – but, if we act now, we can ensure that aviation plays a central role in the solution,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These awards will help America lead the world in sustainable aviation."

The Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise Program is a public-private partnership and is a key piece of the FAA’s overall strategy to tackle the global challenge of climate change and lower the impact aviation has on communities. 

Companies who receive the contracts are required to match or exceed the FAA’s contribution, which will total at least $200 million over the next five years. This marks the third phase of the FAA’s CLEEN program.

The FAA will work with six industry partners to focus on reducing aviation emissions and noise. Companies include General Electric Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Delta TechOps, Rohr Inc.

In 2010 the FAA initiated the first CLEEN Program, working with companies under a similar investment cycle. Over a five-year period, the FAA invested a total of $125 million. With the funding match from five companies, the total investment value exceeded $250 million.

The FAA anticipates that technologies developed under CLEEN Phase III could be introduced into commercial aircraft by 2031.

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/research/aircraft_technology/cleen/