Research & Development

The next decade of flight, engineered today

Five research pillars, one sovereign European roadmap.

R&D Pillars

Innovation & Research

At Avio, innovation is embedded in our DNA. Since 1973, we've invested heavily in research and development to push the boundaries of what's possible in aviation. Our dedicated R&D team works alongside leading aerospace research institutions, universities, and technology partners to develop next-generation aircraft technologies. We allocate 8% of annual revenue to R&D initiatives, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, safety, and passenger experience. Our innovation pipeline ensures Avio aircraft remain at the forefront of aviation technology for decades to come.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Our sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program is developing and certifying our aircraft for 100% SAF compatibility. We're partnering with fuel producers to test bio-based and synthetic fuels that can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%. Current Avio aircraft already support SAF blends up to 50%, and our next-generation engines will achieve full SAF compatibility. We're also researching hydrogen fuel cell technology for future applications in regional aviation.

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Advanced Composite Materials

Our materials science team is developing next-generation composite materials that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios while reducing environmental impact. We're researching recyclable composites, bio-based resins, and advanced manufacturing techniques that reduce waste and energy consumption. Our latest wing designs incorporate thermoplastic composites that can be reshaped and recycled, contributing to circular economy principles in aviation.

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Aerodynamic Efficiency

Through computational fluid dynamics and extensive wind tunnel testing, we continuously optimize aircraft aerodynamics. Our research focuses on laminar flow wing designs, adaptive wing surfaces, and drag-reduction technologies. Recent innovations include our patented wingtip design that reduces induced drag by 12% and our boundary layer control system that maintains laminar flow over greater wing surface area, significantly improving fuel efficiency.

04 / 05

Digital Cockpit Technologies

We're developing intuitive, AI-enhanced flight deck systems that reduce pilot workload while increasing situational awareness. Our research includes synthetic vision systems, predictive weather avoidance, automated flight planning optimization, and enhanced human-machine interfaces. The next-generation Avio cockpit will feature touchscreen controls, voice command integration, and augmented reality head-up displays that project critical information directly into the pilot's field of view.

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Electric Propulsion Research

Avio's electric propulsion laboratory is working on hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems for regional aircraft applications. Our distributed electric propulsion concept uses multiple electric motors for improved efficiency, redundancy, and performance. We're developing high-energy-density battery systems, advanced power management electronics, and electric motor designs optimized for aviation. Our electric testbed aircraft has already completed successful flight trials, demonstrating the viability of electric propulsion technology.

Flagship Platform · 2026

Horizon.

The first fully-European predictive maintenance platform for commercial fleets. Two million flight hours of labelled data. Thirty-one percent fewer unscheduled removals.

Read the whitepaper
Dataset
2.0M hrs
Removal reduction
31%
Fleet types
47
Deployment
EU sovereign
Fifty years of firsts

Milestones on the road to today

Research bears fruit slowly. Here's what fifty years of patient investment looks like when laid end to end.

1973

Foundation

Henri Dubois establishes Avio in the Paris region with a vision to bring French innovation and craftsmanship to aviation. The company begins with a small team of 12 aerospace engineers focusing on aircraft design.

1981

First Aircraft Delivery

The AvioJet 50, our first production aircraft, completes certification and is delivered to its first customer. This milestone establishes Avio as a serious player in business aviation.

1995

Expansion & Certification

Avio expands manufacturing facilities to 45,000 sq meters and achieves FAA certification, opening the North American market. The AvioProp line is introduced to serve regional operators.

2008

Global Reach

Reaching 250 aircraft delivered worldwide, Avio establishes service centers across three continents. ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications achieved, setting new quality standards.

2018

Sustainability Leadership

Launch of the AvioEco program, committing to carbon-neutral manufacturing by 2030. Investment in sustainable aviation fuel research and advanced composite materials begins.

2023

50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 years of excellence with over 500 aircraft delivered to 75+ countries. The revolutionary AvioEco 300 enters service, achieving 35% emission reduction and setting new industry standards.

2026

Now: Data-Driven Design Excellence

Avio enters a new era of technology excellence by embedding advanced data analytics across the entire aircraft lifecycle. Real-world fleet telemetry, digital twins, and AI-assisted engineering turn operational data into measurable design improvements, optimizing aerodynamics, extending component life, reducing maintenance downtime, and enhancing cabin comfort.

Partner with us

Got a hard problem worth solving?

Our R&D team takes in joint research proposals from universities, startups, and fellow OEMs each quarter.

Submit a proposal