WINGS 3: Wallonia continues efforts to maintain leadership in carbon-free aerospace

Wallonia, alongside its industry and researchers, is determined to take up the challenge of carbon-free aviation. In view of the success of the first two phases of the WINGS research and innovation project, the Walloon government has decided to continue the project, granting €20 million in support for this 3rd phase, in addition to the €80 million already granted. In addition to preserving our leadership and expertise, the WINGS project aims to enable the Walloon aeronautics industry to pursue its research efforts in order to improve its positioning in relation to foreign competition, and to prepare for its contribution to achieving decarbonization objectives.

The replacement of the aircraft fleet is shaping up to become a major industrial undertaking. With WINGS, Wallonia is part of the European and global framework for reducing the carbon footprint of the aerospace sector. We are well on the way, with 29 patents filed, but there is still a long way to go. I would like to thank the Walloon government, which is helping us to step up and broaden our research in order to achieve the technological breakthroughs we need. Our next challenges will be manufacturing and testing prototypes and demonstrators based on these breakthrough technologies, and incorporating them into engines.

The WINGS innovation partnership brings together 19 Walloon partners who have been working together for more than 3 years, with the support of the Walloon government, for the future of the aerospace sector. Our sector faces enormous challenges over the coming years, particularly in moving towards zero carbon emissions. Only increased collaboration between all players, large and small, public and private, will enable us to meet these challenges together.