Aviation emissions have doubled since 1990 due to increased demand for air transportation, but aircraft efficiency has improved considerably. The upcoming ICAO CO2 standard will require all new aircraft to meet specific thresholds. Innovators are focusing on reducing fuel consumption and emissions through novel aircraft designs like blended-wing-body (BWB) aircrafts, which promise significant efficiency gains. These BWB designs can accommodate various propulsion systems including hydrogen, solving issues related to payload requirements. Software companies are also developing tools to optimize fuel use, with reported savings of 3-5%. The aviation industry is moving towards sustainable solutions like BWB aircrafts and fuel-efficient software to meet emission reduction targets. Successful commercialization of these innovations could revolutionize the sector and pave the way for a more sustainable future.