The Vienna Aviation Days are back!
In 2026, the event will serve as a platform to connect industry, academia and policymaking to accelerate the development of green aviation technologies.
As Europe advances towards climate neutrality, cross-sector collaboration and technological innovation in aviation are more critical than ever.
The Vienna Aviation Days 2026 version will:
- Feature deeper international involvement,
- Display exhibitions of state-of-the-art and future aviation technologies and,
- Showcase how green aviation technologies fit into the European future, as the world is experiencing drastic changes.
The event will create space for discussion, strategic alignment, and practical steps forward.
The event will foster synergies between EU-funded projects, industry stakeholders, and policy initiatives, strengthening Europe’s competitive and sustainable aviation ecosystem.
Join us to connect, collaborate, and help define the next chapter of sustainable aviation.
The event is organized through the Horizon Europe project exFan (101138184). This event aims to establish a platform to enable the exchange of green aviation topics across aviation research projects and to build connections between the different projects, programmes and policymakers. The topics of the projects contribute to future aircraft propulsion systems.
Foreseen Agenda
Arrival
Good days start with a coffee in the company of nice people!
Welcome & introduction to the VAD26
Knowing what to expect helps to feel more comfortable and prepared for the day!
Sustainable Propulsion Systems - Disruptive Technologies and early validation #1
Research on disruptive technologies will shape the future of aviation. In order to develop completely new solutions, two ingredients are required (1) innovative ideas and (2) the means to develop and validate them.
- DLR (exFan)
- TUM (exFan)
Break
In case you missed the first coffee in the morning!
Sustainable Propulsion Systems - Disruptive Technologies and early validation #2
Research on disruptive technologies will shape the future of aviation. In order to develop completely new solutions, two ingredients are required (1) innovative ideas and (2) the means to develop and validate them.
- DLR Hydrogen Laboratory
- AVL
Lunch
Some nutrients to get you through the day!
Exhibition Session
Taking a closer look on the developments and services of the European aviation industry. The next generation of powerful helicopter engines, hydrogen retrofits, ground infrastructure – all within your grasp (but please don‘t touch them).
- ADT
- Bosch Aviation
- EURA/MTU
- Railtec Arsenal
Coffee break
A coffee in the afternoon keeps you awake the rest of the day!
Powering the future: Electric Airports and Infrastructure
Regardless of which technology will make the run for the future propulsion systems, electricity will be here to stay: From aircraft with electric accessories, hybrid systems up to fully electric aircraft – all of them require electric power. This session outlines how power can be provided to such aircraft: Ground fast charging, electric airport operations and battery storage.
- ADT
- Voltfactory
- MontanUni Leoben
- tba
Coffee break
A coffee in the afternoon keeps you awake the rest of the day!
Special Session #1: Battery Technology
The majority of topics presented at the VAD is cross cutting. We want to give our participants a deeper look into specific topics within our special sessions. This session shows new battery developments, both close to market as well as future battery chemistries.
- ISTA
- HolyVolt
Summary Day 1 and Invitation to Networking Dinner
Evening Event with Networking Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing time on the top floor of the DC Tower and review the day in a pleasant atmosphere.
Introduction Day 2
International Industry Shaping future Airspace
To develop a new propulsion system or even aircraft towards market readiness, experience and efforts from multiple disciplines are necessary. These attributes are embodied by a strong European Industry, which will present their developments towards climate neutral aviation in this session.
- MTU
- Egile
- Volocopter
Coffee break
Morning coffee to energize the day!
Austrian Industry as enabler for Sustainable Aviation
Austria’s aviation industry is a key driver of innovation, technology, and economic growth, combining world-class research with highly specialized industrial capabilities. As a globally recognized supplier for the aerospace sector as well as airline operator, the industry plays an important role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation and advanced air mobility.
- AIA
- Austrian Airlines
- tba
- tba
Lunch
Some nutrients to get you through the day!
Special Session #2: Additive Manufacturing for future Propulsion Systems
The majority of topics presented at the VAD is cross cutting. We want to give our participants a deeper look into specific topics within our special sessions. This session shows how it is possible to move from new specialized materials up to a product that solves problems of future propulsion systems.
- Q-Dot
- CEIT
Coffee break
A coffee in the afternoon keeps you awake the rest of the day!
Sustainable Aviation in a changing world - Dual use opportunities in European R&D
- CAJU
- tba
- tba
- Panel Discussion
Summary Day 2, Closing Remarks
Location
Vienna, Austria
Meliá Vienna, DC Tower
Discover the highlights of Vienna Aviation Days 2025!
Read the event report, press release and explore our photo gallery.
Press Release Photo Gallery Download the VAD2025 report
