Aviation Industry's Race Against Time for Cleaner Planes by 2035
Key Ideas
- The aviation industry needs net zero carbon emissions planes by mid-2030s to achieve the 2050 goal.
- New models must burn zero fossil fuels throughout their lifetime starting around 2035.
- Airbus and Boeing are working on sustainable aviation fuel blends and hydrogen-powered aircraft to reduce emissions.
- Startups focusing on electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft have faced setbacks, while the market for such aircraft is estimated to grow by 2042.
A study released by the International Council on Clean Transportation highlighted the urgency for the aviation industry to introduce cleaner planes to achieve net carbon emissions elimination from air travel by 2050. The report emphasized the need for new models emitting net zero carbon dioxide and burning zero fossil fuels throughout their lifetimes, with a deadline of the mid-2030s. It pointed out the challenge of decarbonizing aviation due to the long life-cycles of commercial aircraft.
The study projected that by 2032-2037, new aircraft will have used up all available carbon dioxide emissions within the net-zero goal framework. Planemakers like Airbus and Boeing are targeting sustainable aviation fuel blends and new aircraft models with enhanced efficiency. Airbus plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035.
Despite efforts towards sustainable aviation, startups in the electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft sector have faced obstacles, with some experiencing financial difficulties. The International Council on Clean Transportation estimates a growing market for at least 10,000 new aircraft powered by hydrogen, electricity, or sustainable fuels until 2042. The group urged planemakers to increase investments and ensure that new planes can burn 100% sustainable fuels by 2030, in addition to limiting lifetime emissions of their products.