The aerospace sector faces significant challenges in reducing CO2 emissions, which account for about 2% of global emissions, with an expected annual growth rate of 3-4% in aviation emissions. To mitigate climate impact, the industry must transition to sustainable aviation fuels, such as hydrogen, which requires advancements in technology and carbon capture methods. The future of flight may involve various aircraft classes utilizing hydrogen as a primary fuel source.

1. Sustainable Aerospace
As the world becomes
increasingly aware
of the dangers of
climate change and
make commitments
to reduce their
emissions, the
aerospace sector
faces an especially
tough challenge.
Globally, aviation accounts
for approximately
2% of overall
CO₂ emissions
Thisequatesto
of CO₂ emitted
in 2018
918
million
tonnes
according to the International Council
on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
There has
been a
32%
in CO₂ emitted
over the last
five years
increase
1kg of
jet fuel
burned
Taking the International
Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO)
assumption that
releases 3.16kg
of CO₂
290
million
tonnes (Mt)
This equates to
of jet fuel burned
during 2018
2018
ICAO has also forecast
that emissions from
flying aircraft will
increase by an
annual growth
rate of 3-4%
However, the ICCT claims this figure
is underestimated and is closer to
following a study
using data from
20185.7%
And this suggests an
increase of CO₂
emissions of a
factor of
5.9
from 2018 to 2050
Using the ICCT estimate,
this would result
oftheglobal
carbonbudget
which they predict
would account for
around
5,500 Mt
in 2050
in civil aviation
CO2 emissions
of approx.
25%
This increase is driven
by the increasing
global demand for
air transport
from countries
currently
considered
‘low income’
as their wealth
increases over time.
Aerospace CO₂ emissions in numbers
So what can we do……?
Sustainable
aviation fuel
Fossil fuels will need to
be partially or wholly
replaced if aviation is
going to lower its
carbon footprint.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen could be
an alternative fuel
source in aviation.
Creation via Methane
Reforming must be
accompanied by Carbon
Capture & Storage (CCS)
in order to be low carbon.
Batteries
Whilst it’s clear that
batteries will have a role
to play in the future of
sustainable aviation the
technology currently
technology is far behind
where it needs to be.
What could the future of flight look like?
Aircraft Class
Approx.
Passengers
Fuel Source
By 2050 Beyond 2050
eVTOL 1-6 H2
Sub-Regional 4-30 H2 H2
Regional 30-120 H2 H2
Narrow Body
Short Haul
120-200 H2 H2
Widebody
Long Haul
200+ H2
#ShapingTheFutureofFlight
atkinsglobal.com/transformingaerospace
H2