The aviation industry is inextricably linked to the social, trade and business economies around the world. Alongside an increased push for the industry to reduce carbon emissions is an ever-growing increase in demand for air transportation in all forms.

There are a plethora of viable options being prototyped, including ultra-light materials, synthetic fuels and re-imagining aircraft engines. Hydrogen fuel cells emit significantly lower greenhouse gases than current options, and the development is being accelerated, while battery-powered short haul flights are emerging as an increasingly viable option.

These changes will come at a cost. Will consumers be willing to pay for a more sustainable industry, and will they trust emerging aviation technology? Battery and hydrogen options, while cleaner, do not contain energy densities as large as the conventional kerosene options. Synergies with road and rail transportation industries also need to be considered.