Grants for Measures to Improve Aviation Safety, Environmental Protection, and Infrastructure in Air Traffic, as well as for Research and Development of Innovative Aviation Technologies

This funding program by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia targets various actors in the air traffic sector who wish to implement projects for the improvement of flight safety, environmental protection, or the development of innovative aviation technologies. The goal is to strengthen the infrastructure and technological development of smaller airports in NRW.

The funding covers two main areas: measures to improve flight safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure in air traffic, as well as projects for the research and development of innovative aviation technologies. Both investments and research and development activities that contribute to the respective program objectives are funded.

Grants are provided as project funding in the form of subsidies. The amount of funding varies depending on the type of project and applicant, with specific funding rates set for infrastructure measures and research and development projects.

The allocation of funding is subject to certain conditions, which concern both the type of measures and the legal framework. These include general requirements, regulations for cooperation projects, and specific requirements regarding earmarking and reporting obligations.

The application procedure is two-tiered, depending on the size of the project or the type of funding (infrastructure vs. research & development), but always includes an informal registration before the actual application. The responsibility of the approving authority depends on the applicant's administrative district.

The funding program is based on a specific guideline from the Ministry for Environment, Nature Protection and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and is subject to the provisions of the State Budget Code and its administrative regulations. In addition, European state aid regulations are decisive.