Cutting fossil fuel emissions is the most pressing challenge facing the world, and aviation is a big contributor. Aviation contributes six per cent to global heating, when CO2 as well as other emissions are taken into account. The aviation industry is, of course, aware of its impact and has made promises to cut emissions. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN agency responsible for regulating international aviation, adopted the goal of “carbon neutral growth from 2020.” However, CO2 emissions from international aviation have increased since 2020, as the goal focuses on offsetting the sector’s CO2 emissions rather than committing to real emissions reductions. That’s why current aviation must become as sustainable as possible.
The Netherlands is pushing the world towards electric flight faster than most European countries. One of the world’s first battery-powered passenger planes is being built by Dutch start-up Elysian Aircraft. The new plane shall have six engines and folded wingtips, so that it will fit into the current gates’ infrastructure of the airports, because the wings are very large.
“By being able to transport 90 passengers for initially 800 kilometres and eventually 1,000 kilometres you can reduce emissions to zero, from half the world’s flights. It reduces total emissions from aerospace by 20 per cent.”
