THE PATH AHEAD AIRCRAFT FOR SUSTAINABLE

Over the next five years, we can expect to see significant milestones in aviation’s journey to net-zero being met. Here are some of the key events we can look forward to: eVTOLs from Joby and Vertical Aerospace enter commercial service.

The first-ever transatlantic flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) takes place from London to New York with Virgin Atlantic.

Volocopter’s "Connect" eVTOL stages demonstration flights at the Paris Olympics.

Ampaire’s “Eco Caravan”, a converted hybrid-electric Cessna Grand Caravan, enters service.

ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogenelectric powertrain is certified for use in small (<19-seat) regional aircraft.

Archer Aviation starts its first airport-to-downtown urban air mobility (UAM) network with United Airlines in New York.

ATR’s regional turboprops certified to run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Universal Hydrogen and Connect Airlines introduce hydrogen-powered regional aircraft to North America.

SAF production ramps up. Large-scale SAF facilities that come on stream include the NEXT Biorefinery in Oregon (United Airlines is an investor), the Velocys Bayou Fuels (has contracts with IAG and Southwest Airlines) and the DG Fuels plant in Louisiana (Air France - KLM is a major customer).

Electra’s eSTOL aircraft certified for commercial flight.

Air New Zealand’s “Mission Next Generation Aircraft” starts commercial demonstrator flights.

Australian regional airline Rex debuts first retrofitted Saab 340 aircraft using hydrogen-electric powertrains.

Embraer's Eve launches its 4-seat electric flying taxi.

Dubai’s vertiports open, acting as the centre of an eVTOL network covering the UAE.

ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 hydrogen-electric powertrain is certified for use in 40-80 seat regional aircraft.

The all-electric ‘Alice’ aircraft from Eviation enters service.

ICAO’s ‘CORSIA’ scheme becomes mandatory.

Heart’s ES-30 hybridelectric regional aircraft in service for airline customers, including Air Canada, United Airlines and SAS.

Hyundai-owned Supernal debuts its eVTOLs.

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics sees eVTOLs used on a large scale in front of a global audience.

Battery technology takes a leap forward as NASA and Nissan unveil solid-state batteries.

First test flights of the NASA - Boeing Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.