With disproportionally increasing expenditure in research and development, the aviation industry is one of Europe's most research-intensive economic sectors. On average, companies in the aviation sector invest around 14 % of their turnover in research and development and make a valued contribution towards strengthening Europe as a research and economic centre”, said State Secretary for Research Eduard Mainoni at the opening of the fifth ‘Aeronautics Days’.
Within the framework of this conference, which was first held in 1991, Vienna will be the centre of the European aviation industry for three days. At the Vienna Congress Centre, around 800 participants from the world of politics, industry and research will be deliberating the future prospects and importance of aviation and aviation research in an enlarged Europe. “Vienna as the venue – at the heart of Europe – can also be seen graphically as the bridge for the integration of the new Member States into the current European aviation supplier industry”, emphasised Mainoni.
“The annual growth rates of at least 5% in air traffic form the basis for corresponding growth of the sector. Aviation is one of the most rapidly growing industries worldwide and provides half a million people with highly qualified and secure jobs. We are determined to use this potential”, he stated.
EU Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik applauded the success of the Austrian Presidency, particularly with regard to finalising the budget for the 7th Research Framework Programme. With over EUR 4 billion for seven years, transport and aviation represent a priority. “We are ensuring that Europe’s leading role in the aviation industry will be further developed and that a more environment-friendly, secure and efficient aviation system is created for the benefit of the public”, said Potocnik and underlined the importance of events such as the ‘Aeronautics Days’: “The joint efforts made by both public and private bodies are leading Europe into a new age of aviation, which is characterised by sustainability and sustainable growth.”
Against this background, Potocnik spotlighted ACARE’s strategic research agenda ‘Vision 2020’ as the basis for achieving such aims. Furthermore, Charles Edelstenne, president-elect of ASD – Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, called upon the European Commission to implement the new ‘JTI-Clean Sky’ instrument quickly and with sufficient funds. “In this way, Europe’s competitiveness would be secured”, said Mr Edelstenne.
With regard to European integration, SESAR represents a further key research project which secures the merger and unification of the European airspace security system. As a result, air traffic over the European Union and bordering countries would be controlled and more efficiently organised. Victor M. Aguado, Eurocontrol’s Director General, requested the introduction of a ‘research conductor’ who would be responsible for harmonising distribution and use of available resources with research priorities.
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