The aviation industry faces legally binding and voluntary targets to dramatically reduce its carbon emissions over the coming decades.
Flightpath 2050
The European Commission's Flightpath 2050 sets targets for 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre, 90% reduction in NOx emissions, and 65% reduction in noise, all relative to year-2000 technology.
IATA Net Zero 2050
The International Air Transport Association committed its member airlines to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The pathway relies on sustainable aviation fuels, new aircraft technology, operational improvements, and carbon offsets.
Role of Electric Propulsion
Electrification — particularly using superconducting technology — is identified as essential for larger aircraft where battery-only solutions cannot provide sufficient energy density.