As of 1 February 2019, Axel Krein will take on the role of Executive Director of Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking, the European Public-Private Partnership for research in aeronautics, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Mr. Krein has extensive experience in the aviation sector, having served as Senior Vice President Research & Technology at Airbus from 2007 to 2014, and most recently as Airbus Senior Vice President Cyber Security Program. Prior to these roles, he held the position of Airbus Senior Vice President Strategic Development.

“Aeronautics in Europe is facing tremendous challenges ahead with regard to competition, the environment and also the impact of technology acceleration. We are at a crossroads and the coming years will determine the long-term success of the European aeronautics’ ecosystem. European Public-Private Partnerships such as Clean Sky are proven catalysers for innovative technology development and validation. I am pleased to join Clean Sky, which I am sure will continue to play a key role in decreasing the environmental footprint of future aircraft, while at the same time strengthening European competitiveness.

I very much look forward to working together with European institutions and Clean Sky participants towards the achievement of these goals, both within the existing Clean Sky 2 programme and within Horizon Europe as from 2020.”

Clean Sky 2 would like to thank Tiit Jürimäe, who served as interim Executive Director for the past two years, for his contribution to the development of the Joint Undertaking, particularly during its transition from Clean Sky 1 to Clean Sky 2.