Exploring Decarbonization Strategies for the Aviation Industry  

Aviation’s role in sustaining the world’s economy and global connectivity is unquestionable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed how a halt to flying caused billions in financial losses with people unable to travel and meet with their communities, making it even more evident how crucial aviation is for our societies. Research by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) shows the demand for air transport is continuing to grow. This presents excellent news for the aviation industry, but it means the industry has an even greater responsibility to minimize its environmental impact – as an increased demand for air transport also means increased emissions.  

Aviation currently contributes about 3% of total CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere. However, considering other pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and indirect warming effects by contrails, the impact of aviation on the climate could be more significant. Scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Centre have observed that six out of the nine boundaries of our planet, boundaries within which we can operate without causing irreversible environmental damage, have been transgressed. One of these boundaries includes climate change, highlighting the need to explore and enhance existing decarbonization strategies. 

With COP28 UAE starting tomorrow, I took the time to reflect and add my perspective to these strategies. Here is my take, simplified in two key points:  

Shifting the Focus Beyond Sustainable Aviation Fuels   

Aviation is among the most complex sectors to decarbonize due to long innovation cycles, stringent safety and regulatory requirements, and the high cost of adopting new technologies, to name a few. While the industry has started to tackle decarbonization primarily through Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), achieving net zero by 2050 demands a broader perspective. The focus must eventually shift beyond the scope of SAFs to embrace technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion – which eliminate the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases during flight.  

It is important to note that the shift isn’t about diverting attention from SAFs; instead, it is about creating a symbiotic relationship among SAFs, hydrogen, and electric propulsion technologies as promising solutions for sustainable aviation. The key is to use SAFs as a bridge, supporting the transition phase for existing aircraft, whereas hydrogen and electric propulsion as alternative solutions for medium and short-haul flights to shape the industry’s final stage to decarbonization. The latter is where Volocopter is directing its efforts with its all-electric aircraft fleet. But the critical question is: how can we facilitate this shift?  

Incentives and Collaboration for Quicker Adoption   

The recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses the need for a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030. Immediate action is required from all sectors to achieve this target, leaving aviation roughly six years to kick-start the technological shift beyond SAFs and advance technologies such as electric propulsion. Here, the way forward is not acting solo. Like with every significant shift in the realm of aviation, there is a substantial need for governmental investments and closer collaboration between companies and regulatory bodies.

Let’s start with government incentives. Governments hold immense influence and are critical in making or breaking impactful developments. In the case of aviation’s net zero goals, governments can support by crafting policies to encourage the advancement of hydrogen and electric propulsion technologies. Measures like tax incentives or carbon pricing can boost research and technological progress. These government-led strategies could trigger a chain reaction, stimulating private-sector involvement and financial support, leading to quicker adoption.    

Now, it is crystal clear that adopting these technologies requires companies and regulatory bodies to harmonize their efforts. In other words, companies should cooperate closely with regulatory bodies to facilitate and speed up the seamless integration of i.e., electric propulsion. At Volocopter, for example, we actively cooperate with governments and regulators worldwide in developing rules and policies to enable the ecosystem for battery-powered aviation and shaping the needed frameworks. On another note, we must acknowledge that facilitating the global adoption of sustainable aviation technologies also requires regulatory bodies to unify regulations across countries.  

Remember: It Takes a Village   

Decarbonization is not only an aspiration. It is fundamental for the very existence of our planet. As members of the aviation industry, alongside governments and regulatory bodies, we must intensify our efforts to shift to sustainable technologies and increase collaboration to achieve the set CO2 reduction goals. To do so, it is important to see decarbonization not only as an environmental necessity but also as an economic opportunity – as shifting to new technologies creates bubbles of growth and prosperity.   

With everyone’s eyes turned to COP, I look forward to this year’s edition and hope for substantial policy decisions to drive immediate emission reduction as well as a comprehensive roadmap for the future. Most importantly, I am happy to represent Volocopter and showcase our efforts to bring safe and sustainable electric air taxis to cities worldwide.