Commercial aviation’s environmental impact, responsible for approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, has sparked urgent initiatives to make flying more sustainable. Among the groundbreaking developments is the creation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with UK company Firefly pushing boundaries by producing jet fuel entirely from human sewage.
In March 2022, a landmark moment occurred when an Airbus A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger airliner, undertook a test flight powered entirely by SAF derived mainly from cooking oil. Notably, in November 2023, a Virgin Atlantic 787 achieved another milestone, completing the first-ever transatlantic flight using 100% SAF.
While the quest for efficient energy sources continues, UK-based Faradair Aerospace is taking a unique approach by designing an 18-passenger BEHA aircraft. Crafted from lightweight composite materials, this aircraft boasts a five-ton payload capacity and an impressive 1,150-mile range, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing efficiency with whatever fuel source ultimately prevails.
Blended wing aircraft, a promising avenue for emissions reduction, are gaining traction. California-based JetZero is actively working towards introducing a blended wing plane into service by 2030. Airbus has also delved into this concept through its ZEROe program, which envisions three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft capable of carrying 100 to 200 passengers.
On September 24, 2020, ZeroAvia showcased the potential of hydrogen fuel by flying the world’s largest hydrogen-powered aircraft at Cranfield Airport in England. With a range of 440 miles, the aircraft, intended for feeder routes, demonstrated the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source for aviation. DHL Express has already committed to incorporating a cargo version of this hydrogen-powered aircraft, with 12 units scheduled for service in 2024.
Shifting focus to electric propulsion, Vancouver-based seaplane company Harbour Air made history in December 2019 with the first all-electric commercial aircraft flight. Retrofitting a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver seaplane from 1947 with a 750 horsepower magni500 electric engine, this pioneering endeavor marked a significant step towards reducing the aviation industry’s environmental footprint.
