It might sound idealistic when you hear somebody talking like this, but it’s not just a dream anymore. It’s starting to happen. And the best part? Portugal is right there, helping to make it real.

Across Europe, bold minds are coming together under an exciting project called HERA – Hybrid-Electric Regional Architecture. The idea behind it is ambitious: to create a new generation of regional aircraft that are cleaner, quieter, and far more efficient. These hybrid-electric planes will carry between 50 and 100 passengers, flying short routes under 500 kilometers and cutting both fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to today’s most advanced regional aircraft.

This is more than just a technological breakthrough. It’s part of a wider movement to rethink how we live and move in the face of the climate emergency. And it's one of the key projects within the Clean Aviation program, the EU’s flagship initiative to make flying more sustainable, supported by the Horizon Europe research and innovation framework.

But what makes this even more exciting for me is that Portugal is actively contributing to this transformation.

Our own ISQ (Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade) is playing a key role in the project. With decades of experience in aerospace systems, testing, and sustainable engineering, ISQ is helping to develop and assess the critical technologies that will make these aircraft possible. From analyzing materials to supporting system integration and environmental performance, Portugal is not just participating; more than that, we’re helping to lead.

And why not? We have all the natural advantages. Sunlight, wind, ocean access, and a growing renewable energy infrastructure mean we’re in a perfect position to support energy-intensive technologies like these in a sustainable way. If Europe is building the clean aviation of the future, Portugal has everything it takes to be its launchpad.

I can’t help but feel proud. When I see global names like Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Safran, Honeywell, and Thales collaborating alongside Portuguese talent, I see more than innovation. I see unity! I see a continent coming together, which is important these days, solving problems that matter, and building a future where climate responsibility and technological progress go hand in hand.

This project isn’t just about aircraft, it’s about vision. It’s about the power of collaboration, the potential of science, and the courage to believe that a better future is possible.

I know the path won’t be easy. There are still challenges in scalability, infrastructure, and affordability. But HERA gives us something rare: hope backed by knowledge, and progress guided by purpose.

Portugal is dreaming big, like in the times of the explorers, and finally, we’re dreaming in the same language as the future.

Because clean skies are no longer just an idea. They’re being designed, tested, and built today.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes