Press release
Alliance for Innovative Aviation: ZAL and CRIAQ renew their research partnership
Paris, June 17, 2025 – Hamburg’s ZAL (Center of Applied Aeronautical Research) and CRIAQ (The Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec) have signed a memorandum of understanding. The aim of this partnership is to implement collaborative research projects on cutting-edge technologies, and to boost the international mobility of talent. Roland Gerhards, CEO of ZAL, and Guillaume Côté, CEO of CRIAQ, signed the agreement at the Salon international de l’aéronautique et de l’espace (SIAE), the world’s largest aerospace show.
The ZAL and CRIAQ intend to collaborate on key enabling technologies, including advanced digital solutions such as artificial intelligence and tomorrow’s propulsion systems, with a view to achieving more sustainable aviation. The aim is to foster innovation and encourage international exchanges of expertise.
This partnership is a continuation of existing agreements and previous collaborations between ZAL and CRIAQ. Successful joint projects include “Lightweight bionic aircraft interior” in 3D printing and “New acoustic insulation metamaterial technology for aerospace” in acoustics.
Quotes
«CRIAQ is a solid partner with whom we have already achieved fruitful collaborations. We look forward to working together on new challenges and contributing to innovation in aviation, particularly in digital and propulsion technologies and their applications» says Roland Gerhards, CEO of the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research.
« ZAL is a world-renowned organization, and we are very proud to reaffirm our commitment to this collaboration in the service of our research and innovation ecosystems» says Guillaume Côté, CEO of CRIAQ.
ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research
www.zal.aero
ZAL is at the forefront of the design of tomorrow’s civil aviation. Spanning more than 34,000 square meters, it brings together some 35 industrial and scientific partners, including Airbus, Lufthansa Technik and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Nearly 800 researchers collaborate on topics such as digital cabins, robotics and automation, while the in-house fuel cell laboratory provides an optimal framework for sustainable aviation.
CRIAQ The Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec
www.criaq.aero
Created in 2002, the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ) is a unique model for collaborative aerospace research, bringing together companies of all sizes, universities and research centers. Its mission is to increase the competitiveness of the aerospace industry by stimulating technological innovation and corporate commitment through collaborative R&D. CRIAQ also aims to develop a new generation of innovators to reinforce Quebec’s technological leadership in cutting-edge aerospace applications: digital aviation, advanced air mobility and sustainable aerospace.
CRIAQ SOURCE
Contacts : Miriam Flügger, Head of Corporate Communications, ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research, miriam.fluegger@zal.aero, +49 176 22 181 291; Stéphanie Dion, Communication & Engagement Director, CRIAQ Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec, stephanie.dion@criaq.aero, +1 514 825 5145
