What Happened
European Manufacturer Partners with Industry Leaders on Hybrid Electrical Architecture
Airbus has announced the successful progression of its LEIA program, aimed at electrifying non-propulsive aircraft systems. The European manufacturer is working with industry partners, including Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and MTU Aero Engines, to integrate advanced electrical components and manage power distribution within commercial aircraft. The €35 million project, supported by the European Union Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, aims to decarbonize aviation through the increased use of electrical systems for short-to-medium range aircraft. The first stage of the program, SWITCH, has been completed, and the next stage will involve aircraft-level integration testing at the Airbus STEP laboratory in Germany. The program is expected to culminate in a pivotal ground demonstration before the end of 2027, as reported by AeroTime.