Electric Aviation (2030)
By 2030, electric aviation will emerge as a viable solution for decarbonizing short- and medium-haul air travel through advances in battery technology, hybrid propulsion, and supportive government policies. While technical limitations will delay large-scale adoption for long-haul flights, collaboration among manufacturers, regulators, airlines, and investors will accelerate commercialization and reduce aviation's environmental impact. Organizations that invest early in electric aviation ecosystems and supporting infrastructure will be best positioned to lead the transition toward sustainable air transport.
“100 %
Increase of aircraft fleet by 2040 ”
“3.5 %
Aviation share of carbon emissions 2030”
A growth in the use of electric planes has the potential to significantly cut aviation emissions, reduce noise and also potentially provide cheaper travel. At a time when, globally, we are flying more, there is a tangible opportunity to accelerate new technology development to electrify aviation. While some governments and cities plan for more airports to accommodate and stimulate more flying, public pushback against higher emissions builds with little interest in temporary solutions such as more carbon offsetting. As a result, the case for truly clean aviation gains wider support and brings together deeper collaborations across research, manufacturers, airlines, cities and travellers.
The Growth in Flying
Aviation is in the midst of a significant surge. The industry directly and indirectly provides considerable economic and social impact. The sector estimates that it enables $2.7 trillion of economic benefit and 65m jobs worldwide.[1] Touurism, of which flying is a significant part, currently contributes around 10% of world GDP and accounts for a similar proportion of jobs.Demand has doubled over the past 15 years and is set to do the same again – adding another 40,000 or so aircraft in the next 20 years.[2] As a result, airlines have become more profitable in the past 5 years than they were in the preceding 40. But this is not without cost. Despite ongoing improvements in efficiency, flying will account for 3.5% of global energy related CO2 emissions by 2030, up from just over 2.5% today. There are very real concerns about the effect this will have on climate change. Indeed, according to IEA projections, it will account for around 15% of global oil demand growth by 2030.[3] So, how can the sector satisfy the appetite for travel and the demand for international trade at the same time as reducing its overall impact on the environment?
