Multiple Australian companies are pioneering the country’s electric aviation industry. So how are green planes powered, how safe are they, and what will it cost?
Since the start of this century, the Australian aviation industry has more than doubled its carbon emissions as more passengers take flight, prompting a closer look at the potential for electric planes.
More than 57.5 million passengers travelled by plane domestically in the year to January 2024, and air travel is expected to double globally by 2040.
The country’s aviation industry contributed about 23 megatonnes of emissions, but the International Air Transport Association, which represents 300 airlines, is determined to achieve net zero by 2050.
Experts say there is a range of energy sources outside of conventional jet fuels that can be used to power planes, and we are likely to see these aircraft flying commercially as soon as next year.
Since the start of this century, the Australian aviation industry has more than doubled its carbon emissions as more passengers take flight, prompting a closer look at the potential for electric planes.
More than 57.5 million passengers travelled by plane domestically in the year to January 2024, and air travel is expected to double globally by 2040.
The country’s aviation industry contributed about 23 megatonnes of emissions, but the International Air Transport Association, which represents 300 airlines, is determined to achieve net zero by 2050.
Experts say there is a range of energy sources outside of conventional jet fuels that can be used to power planes, and we are likely to see these aircraft flying commercially as soon as next year.
