The aviation industry is considered to be one of the pioneers in global economic development. The industry fosters positive growth and employment around the globe, has created access to trade internationally, and tourism, and also plays a major factor in transportation from place to place in reduced time.
With the rapid increase in the use of aviation worldwide, the issues regarding sustainability within the industry are also on the rise. These issues in the aviation industry can be high Carbon emissions, noise pollution, and increased use of natural resources.
This raises the issue of sustainability and is the driving force towards alternative uses of fuel for aviation. However, these alternatives can be extremely expensive. Thus, finding an alternative and sustainable option is key to the longevity of the industry. In recent times, the research on the use of Hydrogen as aviation fuel has been on the rise.
Background on Traditional Aviation Fuel
Traditionally the aviation industry has used fuels which are known as Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels. These fuels have been widely adopted in both domestic and also International flights. The Jet A-1 fuels are more commonly used in long-haul international flights due to the higher degree of anti-freeze protection when compared to Jet A fuel. The issue regarding these fuels is the high amounts of CO2 emissions. This causes the need for an alternative fuel solution.
Is Hydrogen Fuel the Right Call?
With the discovery of hydrogen fuel as an alternative to traditional methods due to its net-zero carbon emission, the development has already been started and is in the early stages of the production and testing phase and Airbus aims at developing their first hydrogen engine commercial plane by 2035. However, with high amounts of investment required to use the fuel in the industry is it a very sustainable option? Given the highly sustainable factors of the element, the production and storage costs are very high. With other industries aiming for net-zero carbon emission goals, the aviation industry is also on the same trajectory as Airbus aims to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Future of Sustainability in Aviation
keeping in mind the already developing topics discussed such as the adoption of hydrogen and other SAFs (Sustainable Aviation Fuels), the path of sustainability in aviation already looks to be headed in the right direction. Moreover, advancements in technology around the globe such as digitalization, and automation in the industry by using streamlined systems to improve efficiency and reduce human effort, and the rise in more carbon-neutral options such as electric and hybrid developments, only makes it easier for the industry to implement sustainable options.
To add to this, Airbus is already developing hybrid or electric propulsion in the industry. In November of 2022, Renault Group and Airbus signed an agreement that brought the two companies into partnership for a research and development agreement. This can be considered a crucial step in laying down the work which will lead to the decarbonisation of aviation. Airbus officials explained the hybrid-electric propulsion in detail
In a hybrid configuration, an aircraft uses several energy sources in flight, either in tandem or alternately. The mix of energy sources – jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuels combined with electricity – optimises overall energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
The future of sustainability in aviation looks to be heading in a good trajectory with the usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and new developments in technology and research. The industry should take all measures to ensure a sustainable future for the coming generations.
What do you think the future of sustainability in aviation is? Is Hydrogen the right call? Do you see hybrid or electric airfracts any time soon? Comment your thoughts below.
