Zero-emission aircraft represents a transformative advancement in the aviation industry, addressing the critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Traditional aircraft, reliant on fossil fuels, significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution. In stark contrast, zero-emission aircraft employ innovative technologies designed to eliminate or substantially reduce their environmental footprint.

One of the most promising developments in this field is the advent of electric aircraft powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. Battery-electric aircraft operate using high-density batteries that provide clean energy to electric motors, resulting in zero emissions during flight. However, the current limitations of battery energy density pose challenges for long-range flights, rendering them more suitable for short-haul routes at this stage. Hydrogen fuel cell technology presents another viable pathway to zero-emission aviation. Hydrogen, which can be produced through renewable energy sources, combines with oxygen in fuel cells to generate electricity, with water vapor as the sole byproduct. This technology holds the potential to power larger aircraft over greater distances, positioning it as a promising candidate for future commercial aviation. Major industry players, including Airbus and Boeing, along with numerous startups, are actively investing in and developing prototypes of zero-emission aircraft for SAF.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel employed in commercial aviation, known for its capability to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. This environmentally friendly fuel is derived from a variety of sources, including waste oil, fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops. Additionally, SAF can be synthetically produced by capturing carbon directly from the air. Crucially, the feedstocks used for SAF do not compete with food crops or water supplies, nor do they contribute to forest degradation.

According to TechSci Research report “Zero Emission Aircraft Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Aircraft Type (Battery Electric Aircraft, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft, Hybrid Electric Aircraft, Solar Electric Aircraft), By Type (Turboprop, Turbofan System, Blended-Wing Body (BWB)), By End Use (Commercial, Military, General), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F” Global Zero Emission Aircraft Market has valued at USD 6.40 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.96% through 2029. This market is expected to grow because of an increase in environmental legislation and a greater emphasis on sustainability objectives. To comply with international sustainability programs and lessen the aviation industry's carbon footprint, aviation stakeholders engage in green technologies as governments throughout the world impose stricter emissions rules.

Since the development of zero-emission aircraft is an emerging field in the aviation industry, some renowned market giants have started/ have been working in their R&D department regarding the same. Leading manufacturers in the zero-emission aircraft sector are focusing on innovative technologies, primarily hydrogen-electric and electric propulsion systems. Let us know more about them:

Companies Dealing in Zero-Emission Aircrafts Manufacturing: Top 8

1. Boeing:

Boeing, a global aerospace leader, is consistently engaged in the development of zero-emission aircraft as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Recognizing the pressing need to address climate change, Boeing has embarked on various initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of aviation. The company has immensely supported commercial aviation industry’s path towards net zero emissions.

• In January 2023, NASA and Boeing announced their collaborative work on Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project to build, test and fly an emission reducing single-aisle aircraft. The company “Boeing” is said to potentially test a full-sized airliner with required configurations and will burn 30% less fuel.

• As a strategic partner of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Boeing is on its way to support and promote SAF, Hydrogen, and Electrification. In addition, the company has also developed and tested linerless cryogenic fuel tanks with NASA, which is a technological breakthrough supporting hydrogen-based fuels in aviation.

Over the years, Boeing has invested over $100 million in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technology development through various partnerships and in-house projects. In addition, Boeing is involved in multiple collaborative projects with research institutions and other aerospace companies to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology, with investments exceeding $50 million in the last five years. Note that Boeing is also at the forefront of hydrogen fuel cell research. Hydrogen, when used in fuel cells, produces electricity with water vapor as the only byproduct, making it an attractive option for zero-emission flight. Meanwhile, Boeing is also investigating the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cells to power larger aircraft over longer distances, potentially revolutionizing commercial aviation. Collaborations with other aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies are crucial to overcoming the technical and infrastructural challenges associated with hydrogen fuel.

2. Airbus:

Airbus, a company leading in global airspace manufacturing, is at the forefront of efforts to develop zero-emission aircraft, driven by its commitment to sustainability and reducing the aviation industry's environmental impact. The company’s approach encompasses pioneering technologies, extensive research and development, and strategic collaborations to achieve its ambitious environmental goals.

• Airbus has proactively taken significant steps towards advancing sustainable aviation by establishing a joint venture with the renowned automotive supplier “ElringKlinger AG”. This collaboration, known as Airbus Aerostack, is dedicated to the development of hydrogen fuel cell stacks. These fuel cell stacks are poised to become the core component of a cutting-edge electric propulsion system.

• The company, Airbus, has also set-up dedicated development centres in France, the UK, Germany and Spain to keep their continuity in working towards tanks and cryogenic fuel systems.

• In collaborative approach with Carbon Engineering in British Columbia, Airbus is investing in carbon removal technologies and has also announced an agreement to purchase 400,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits from 1PointFive.

• To investigate the non-CO2 effects of hydrogen combustion in the aviation sector, Airbus, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Research Institute (DLR), unveiled the Blue Condor project last year. This pioneering initiative aims to explore and analyze the environmental impacts of hydrogen as a fuel source beyond its carbon dioxide emissions.

The company unveiled three hydrogen-powered concept aircraft under the codename “ZEROe” in September 2020:

• Turboprop Design - Able to accommodate up to 100 passengers for short-haul journeys.

• Turbofan Design - Is capable of carrying 120-200 passengers with range of over 2000 nautical miles, which is suitable for transcontinental flights.

• Blended-Wing Body Design - Features a futuristic design with a capacity of up to 200 passengers, offering the potential for increased aerodynamic efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

In addition to the above information, Airbus collaborates with over 20 research institutions and numerous industry partners globally to advance zero-emission aircraft technology. Considering sustainability, the company is involved in various international initiatives, such as the European Union’s Clean Sky and Horizon 2020 programs, to advance sustainable aviation technologies.

3. Wright Electric:

Wright Electric, a U.S.-based aerospace company, is dedicated to revolutionizing aviation with its focus on zero-emission aircraft. Wright Electric is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, spearheading the development of the next generation of aircraft. The company is engineering the first large-scale, zero-emissions airplane capable of flying up to 800 miles. Powered by Wright Electric's groundbreaking electric motors, these aircraft are designed to accommodate up to 100 passengers and are targeted to service the 25% of air traffic classified as regional or short-haul routes. In pursuit of a sustainable aviation future, Wright Electric is collaborating with major airlines, including easyJet, and aims to position itself as a leader in advancing the industry towards a future dominated by zero-emissions aircraft by 2040.

• April 25, 2024, saw the announcement of the launch of Wright Electric Aircraft Engine Test Cell (WEAETC), which is designed to characterize the performance of megawatt-class electric aircraft propulsion systems. Wright’s partners in this effort include ARPA-E, Rzeszow University of Technology, REA Space, CFS Aero, Avalon Aerospace, and Executive Jet Support.

• On November 15, 2023, Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace, jointly announced the successful completion of maiden flights of their hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft, boasting 800kW of combined shaft horsepower.

• During November 4, 2021, the company also announced the launch of Wright Spirit aircraft, which is a new addition to their family of zero-emission aircraft for the commercial market. The Wright Spirit aircraft design is built on the BAe 146 platform - a 100 passenger, 4-engine aircraft known for its operation out of noise-sensitive airports.

Not only in the aircraft manufacturing segment, but the company is also indulged in developing batteries with a target energy density of over 500Wh/kg, critical for practical electric flight. To the benefit, the company has also raised over $30 million in funding to date, supporting its R&D efforts and aircraft development. Focusing on the regional air travel market, the company targets routes typically under 500 miles, which align well with the current limitations of electric propulsion technology. This approach capitalizes on the high frequency and short turnaround times of regional flights, making them ideal candidates for electric aircraft. Looking ahead, Wright Electric’s long-term vision includes scaling up its aircraft designs as battery technology improves and exploring international expansion opportunities. This comprehensive strategy underscores Wright Electric’s commitment to revolutionizing aviation and contributing to a more sustainable future for air travel.

4. Eviation Aircraft

Eviation Aircraft is an Israeli aviation technology company that has been at the forefront of developing all-electric, zero-emission aircraft. Founded in 2015, the company’s mission is to create zero-emission aircraft that significantly reduce the environmental impact of air travel. Eviation is leveraging cutting-edge technology and design to achieve its goal of transforming regional aviation with electric aircraft.

• Alice, the company’s flagship project, is a fully electric regional aircraft designed to accommodate up to 9 passengers, representing a significant step towards achieving zero emissions aviation. The aircraft had its first flight on 27 September 2022.

• Alice’s electric propulsion system is significantly more efficient than traditional combustion engines as it converts over 90% of all the electrical energy into thrust. In comparison, it is around 30% for conventional engines.

• Since Alice’s inception, Eviation Aircraft has received over 150 orders for Alice, indicating strong market demand for sustainable aviation solutions.

• 2021 saw the announcement of company securing orders of over 150 Alice aircraft from customers like Cape Air and DHL Express.

These statistics highlight the technological advancements and environmental benefits of Eviation Aircraft’s Alice. Significant progress has been made in battery technology, with Eviation focusing on integrating high-energy-density batteries to meet the range and performance requirements of Alice. The company is working on advanced electric propulsion systems, including state-of-the-art electric motors and drive systems. The goal is to optimize these systems for efficiency and reliability. With its long range, cost-effectiveness, and zero-emission operations, the Alice is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market for sustainable aviation solutions.

5. Ampaire

Ampaire, founded in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, is a pioneering company focused on developing hybrid-electric aircraft aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry. The company is at the forefront of integrating electric propulsion technologies into existing aircraft designs, which allows for a more rapid transition to sustainable aviation compared to developing entirely new electric aircraft from scratch. Ampaire's ultimate goal is to provide airlines with viable, cost-effective solutions that can seamlessly integrate into their current operations.

• On August 12, 2021, Ampaire, global leader in electric aviation, celebrated its first hybrid electric flight in Scotland, crossing the Pentland Firth from Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on the Orkney Isles to regional airport Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC) in the north of mainland Scotland.

• The company is currently developing a series of hybrid electric powertrain upgrades designed to significantly reduce emissions and operating costs by up to 25% initially. These advancements will enable regional airlines to enhance their service on essential lifeline routes in Scotland and globally.

• Ampaire has been a leader in the field of modern air mobility, achieving a significant milestone in August of last year. The company successfully completed a nonstop flight spanning 481 miles from Perth, Scotland, to Exeter in southwest England using its "Electric EEL" aircraft. This aircraft, a modified six-seat Cessna equipped with hybrid-electric propulsion, set a record as the longest flight to date by a commercial-sized, hybrid-electric aircraft.

• To date, the Electric EEL has accumulated over 200 hours of flight time and has been evaluated by multiple airlines and air operators.

Financially, Ampaire has secured over $10 million in funding from venture capital, government grants, and strategic investors, with support from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA. The hybrid-electric technology promises to reduce operational costs for airlines by up to 25%, providing economic benefits alongside environmental advantages. Ampaire's market potential lies in the regional air travel sector, which includes flights under 500 miles. The company's future developments include the AMP-Hybrid, a larger aircraft designed for 19 passengers, aiming for longer ranges and greater efficiency.

6. Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce, the renowned British engineering company, has been actively involved in the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies. With a long history of innovation in aerospace engineering, Rolls-Royce is leveraging its expertise to advance sustainable aviation solutions, focusing on electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. The company aims to develop cutting-edge technologies that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of aviation. This includes the creation of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems that can be integrated into a range of aircraft, from small regional planes to larger commercial airliners.

• On 22^nd July 2024, Rolls Royce announced an expansion of its multi-year partnership with the company TCS, to research hydrogen fuel system technology. This initiative seeks to tackle three current challenges associated with using hydrogen as a low-carbon aviation fuel: fuel combustion, fuel delivery, and the integration of fuel systems with an engine.

• Last year (2023), Rolls-Royce and its consortium partners received nearly £82.8 million in funding for hydrogen aircraft projects, sourced from a combination of government and private contributions. The company aims to develop an integrated power plant architecture for a liquid hydrogen gas turbine. This project, known as Hydrogen Engine System Technologies (HYEST), represents a significant step towards advancing hydrogen propulsion in aviation.

• In November 2022, Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the RAF, UK MOD, Airbus, AirTanker, and Air bp, successfully conducted the first-ever flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on an in-service defense aircraft. The Voyager, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, completed this groundbreaking flight. This achievement demonstrated the UK RAF's capacity to transition to more resilient and sustainable operations.

• Rolls-Royce's ACCEL project has led to the creation of the Spirit of Innovation, which is recognized as the world's fastest all-electric aircraft, achieving a speed of 4 mph. This aircraft is a testament to the company's commitment to electric and hybrid-electric technologies.

Rolls-Royce's R&D efforts are concentrated on enhancing battery technology, creating efficient electric motors, and addressing thermal management challenges to ensure safe and efficient operation. Collaborating with industry leaders and regulatory bodies, the company is working to integrate these new technologies and meet safety standards. The company's substantial investment in R&D, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, is supported by government initiatives promoting clean energy in aviation. The environmental impact of Rolls-Royce's efforts is significant, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% compared to traditional jet engines and substantial noise reduction benefits.

7. MagniX

MagniX is a leading manufacturer of electric propulsion systems for aviation, specializing in the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, the company is wholly owned by the Clermont Group and has made significant advancements in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, aiming to revolutionize the aviation industry by providing clean and efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered aircraft. With its exceptional reliability, unmatched performance, and operational practicality, magniX is at the forefront of guiding the aviation industry toward a sustainable future.

• Over long, MagniX has been developing electric propulsion systems for several years. Now, the Everett, Washington-based company is expanding its technology to include hydrogen fuel cells, aiming to achieve carbon-free flight.

• In addition to Universal Hydrogen and Eviation, MagniX's partnerships extend to the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Desaer, New York-based Blade Urban Air Mobility, the UK’s Faradair, Australia’s Sydney Seaplanes, Swiss-based H55, and Vancouver, B.C.-based Harbour Air. Furthermore, MagniX holds a $74.3 million contract with NASA to showcase its electric propulsion technologies.

• Last year, MagniX announced a collaboration with AeroTec, Universal Hydrogen, and its hydrogen fuel cell partner Plug Power to establish a hydrogen aviation test and service center at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington. The partners intend to use this facility to convert a Dash 8 regional airliner to hydrogen propulsion, with plans to commence commercial operations by 2025.

MagniX’s R&D efforts are focused on advancing electric motor technology, optimizing battery integration, and improving system integration. The company collaborates with various partners, including aircraft manufacturers like AeroTEC and Harbour Air, to integrate its motors into existing aircraft platforms. It also engages with regulatory bodies to meet safety and certification standards and works with technology providers to enhance battery performance. To date, MagniX has raised over $70 million in funding, supporting its development and research initiatives. Through its innovative projects and significant investment in electric propulsion technologies, MagniX is committed to advancing zero-emission aviation and contributing to the global push for sustainability in the aviation industry.

8. ZeroAvia

ZeroAvia is a pioneering company in the field of zero-emission aviation, focusing on the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in both the United Kingdom and the United States, ZeroAvia aims to revolutionize regional air travel by providing sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered aircraft. ZeroAvia is led by a team of experienced aerospace engineers and technologists who have previously worked at companies like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and NASA.

• January 19, 2023, marked a significant advancement in zero-emission aviation as ZeroAvia successfully conducted the maiden flight of the largest aircraft in the world powered by a hydrogen-electric engine. The company, a leader in the field of zero-emission flight, launched its 19-seat Dornier 228 testbed aircraft, which has been retrofitted with a full-size prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain installed on the left wing.

• In 2021, Alaska Airlines entered a partnership with and invested in ZeroAvia to advance the development of zero-emission propulsion technology for regional aircraft. As the fifth largest airline in the United States, with an extensive regional network, Alaska Airlines is well-positioned to contribute to and support the advancement of this sustainable aviation technology.
• ZeroAvia is now focused on achieving a certifiable configuration to enable the use of its technology for commercial routes by 2025. The Dornier 228 will undergo a series of test flights from Kemble, followed by demonstration flights from various other airports. Nearly two years ago, ZeroAvia completed the initial flight of over 30 flights with a six-seat Piper Malibu aircraft, which was powered by a 250kW hydrogen-electric powertrain.

To date, ZeroAvia has raised over $150 million in funding from venture capital, government grants, and strategic investors, supporting its R&D and aircraft development initiatives. The company’s technology promises substantial environmental benefits, including zero carbon emissions and reduced noise levels compared to traditional jet engines. By focusing on hydrogen as a clean fuel source and advancing efficient propulsion systems, ZeroAvia is positioning itself as a leader in the shift towards more sustainable aviation, aiming to revolutionize the industry and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Summing Up

As technological advancements progress, the integration of electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems is anticipated to become more widespread. These technologies provide notable advantages, including significant reductions in carbon emissions and noise pollution, thereby addressing two major environmental challenges associated with conventional aviation. Industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, ZeroAvia, and MagniX are at the forefront of developing high-performance electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, each playing a crucial role in the industry's transition toward greater sustainability.

Ongoing advancements in battery technology, hydrogen fuel cells, and power management systems will be critical in improving the range and efficiency of zero-emission aircraft, thereby making them suitable for a wider array of commercial and regional flights. Furthermore, investments in supportive infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations and electric charging facilities, will be vital for the extensive deployment of zero-emission aircraft. Ultimately, the transition to zero-emission aviation represents a pivotal step toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for air travel, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.